Acceleration and water height

In summary, the conversation discusses a U-shaped tube filled with liquid and the difference in height between the liquid columns in the vertical arms when the tube is accelerating to the right. The participants also discuss the pressure and forces at play in this situation and how they relate to the length of the tube. One participant uses the analogy of driving a car in a circle to explain the concept.
  • #1
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I'm having trouble with this problem here.

A U-shaped tube with a horizontal portion of length L contains a liquid. What is the difference in height between the liquid columns in the vertical arms if the tube has an acceleration toward the right?

There must be a net force to the left that presses the liquid to the left. In the right column there must be a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure. But I don't know how to relate the length of the tube to the answer. Could someone please give me a clue how to solve this.
 
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  • #2
why must there be a force to the left? acceleration is to the right. what makes you think that there is pressure greater than atm. on the right. could you explain your logic.
 
  • #3
The tube accelerates to the right. The water goes to the left, so there must be a force pressing it to the left. I know its not really a force, but It helps thinking of it that way. When you drive a car in a circle your body gets pressed to the sides. Your body is not in a an inertial frame of reference neither is the water. Is this not true?
 

1. What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a measure of how quickly an object's speed is changing, either increasing or decreasing.

2. How does acceleration affect the height of water?

The acceleration of water can affect its height by causing it to flow or move in different directions. For example, if water is accelerated horizontally, it may flow faster and cause a rise in water height downstream. Similarly, if water is accelerated vertically, it may rise or fall in height depending on the direction and magnitude of the acceleration.

3. What factors affect the acceleration of water?

The acceleration of water can be affected by several factors, including the force or energy applied, the density of the water, and the resistance or obstacles in its path. Other factors such as gravity, pressure, and temperature can also play a role in water acceleration.

4. How is acceleration related to the movement of water in waves?

Acceleration plays a crucial role in the formation and movement of water waves. As water particles are accelerated by the wind or other forces, they begin to move in a circular motion, creating a wave pattern. The greater the acceleration, the larger and more powerful the waves can become.

5. What are some real-life examples of acceleration affecting water height?

One example of acceleration affecting water height is the formation of storm surges during hurricanes. The strong winds and low pressure of a hurricane can accelerate water and cause a dramatic rise in sea level, resulting in flooding in coastal areas. Another example is the creation of tidal waves caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, which accelerates water in ocean basins and causes a rise in water height along shorelines.

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