Fluid pressure problem and units confusion

In summary, to find the pressure at a depth of 10 m below the surface of a lake, we can use the equation P = P0 + ρgh, where P0 is the pressure at the surface, ρ is the density of the liquid (in kg/m^3), g is the acceleration due to gravity (in N/kg), and h is the depth (in m). Using P0 = 1 atm = 101 kPa, ρ = 10^3 kg/m^3, and g = 9.81 N/kg, we can calculate the pressure at a depth of 10 m to be 1.97 atm, which is nearly twice the pressure at the surface. It is
  • #1
yoshtov
29
0

Homework Statement



Exercise Find the pressure at a depth of 10 m below the
surface of a lake if the pressure at the surface is 1 atm.
(Answer: With P0 = 1atm = 101kPa, ρ=103kg/m[itex]^{3}[/itex], and g= 9.81 N/kg, we have P = P0 + ρgh = 1.97 atm. The pressure at a depth of 10 m is nearly twice that at the surface.)

Homework Equations



P = P0 + ρgh

1 atm = 101.325 kPa = 101325 Pa

ρ = 10[itex]^{3}[/itex] kg/m[itex]^{3}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Doing what they did:

P = 101 kPa + 10[itex]^{3}[/itex]*9.81 N/kg*10 m = 98,201 kPa = 972 atm.

Hmm... Trying it with atm:

P = 1 atm + 10[itex]^{3}[/itex]*9.81 N/kg*10 m = 98,101 atm.

Trying it with Pa:

P = 101,325 Pa + 10[itex]^{3}[/itex]*9.81 N/kg*10 m = 199,425 Pa = 1.97 atm.

So I was only able to get the answer they did when using Pa. I think they neglected to mention that pivotal part when solving the problem. I have questions two:

1). Why does the equation have a strong preference for Pa?
2). How would I have to restructure the equation to use kPa, atm, or mmHg?
 
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  • #2
1 Pa = 1 N/m.

1kPa = 103 N/m2

103*9.81 N/kg*10 m = 9.81×104 Pa = 98.1 kPa
 

What is fluid pressure?

Fluid pressure is the force per unit area exerted by a fluid on its surroundings. It is typically measured in units of force per unit area, such as Pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

How is fluid pressure calculated?

Fluid pressure is calculated by dividing the force exerted by the fluid by the area over which it is exerted. The formula for fluid pressure is P=F/A, where P is pressure, F is force, and A is area.

What are the common units of measurement for fluid pressure?

The most common units of measurement for fluid pressure include Pascals (Pa), pounds per square inch (psi), and atmospheres (atm). Other units such as bars, torr, and millibars are also used in specific contexts.

What is the difference between absolute pressure and gauge pressure?

Absolute pressure is the total pressure exerted by a fluid, including the atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure, on the other hand, only measures the pressure above atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure is typically measured with respect to a perfect vacuum, while gauge pressure is measured with respect to atmospheric pressure.

How does fluid pressure affect objects in a fluid?

Objects in a fluid experience a force due to the pressure exerted by the fluid. This force can either push or lift the object depending on the direction of the pressure. The magnitude of the force is directly proportional to the fluid pressure and the area of the object in contact with the fluid.

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