How are experiments affected when gravity's changed, compared to Earth?

In summary, the gravity change would not have an impact on a simple pipe and pump circuit where the pump and water properties remain the same. However, if the system is not closed and there is a change in gravity, it could affect the pressure and atmospheric pressure in the system. In the case of a mini cooling tower, the system is not completely sealed and therefore a change in gravity could impact the pressure and atmospheric pressure, but not the mass of the fluid.
  • #1
Ciocolatta
4
0
Hiii,
If there's a simple pipe and pump circuit and the pump and water properties remain the same but we increase or decrease gravity, what happens?

I know that in a closed pipe conduit with fluid flowing around, nothing would change because I think in Bernoulli's equation, as height is the same (closed conduit), so that would cancel out the rho.g.h term and hence rendering gravity irrelevant in the equation.

However...am I right to conclude -->

a) if not a closed conduit, say pumping liquied from a low tank to a high tank, decreasing gravity would mean the pump could provide a greater head because of change in pressure = rho.g.h.
Also, gravity change = atmospheric pressure change. So would liquid vapour pressure change if atmospheric pressure changes?

b) say we have a mini cooling tower (like one we made ourselves just to do some experiments to practice mass and energy balances) so there's liquid and gas flux to worry about.
firsrtly, is this a closed conduit? I was thinking it's not closed because the liquid pumped through pipes has to drip out of these pipes and into the cooling tower but then the liquid returns to the first tank and is pumped around again.

your thoughts?
thanks!
 
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  • #2
A reduction in gravity would reduce any pressure in the system due to the weight of the fluid. (But not mass) If your system is completely sealed, or in something sealed, then a change in gravity does not equal a change in air pressure, if there was any air in the system to begin with. If not sealed, then yes, there would be less atmosphereic pressure.
 

1. How does changing gravity affect the reliability of experimental results?

Changing the force of gravity can greatly impact the reliability of experimental results. This is because gravity affects the weight and movement of objects, which are key factors in many experiments. Altering gravity can introduce new variables and make it difficult to accurately compare results to those on Earth.

2. How do scientists account for changes in gravity when conducting experiments in space?

Scientists must carefully consider and account for changes in gravity when conducting experiments in space. This can be done through careful calibration of equipment, adjusting experimental procedures, and using specialized equipment designed for microgravity environments.

3. What are some examples of experiments that are affected by changes in gravity?

Experiments that involve the motion of fluids, such as convection, diffusion, or capillary action, can be significantly impacted by changes in gravity. Other experiments that involve weight, friction, and acceleration are also affected.

4. How does microgravity affect living organisms in experiments?

Microgravity can have significant effects on living organisms in experiments. The lack of gravity can cause changes in metabolism, muscle and bone mass, and behavior. Scientists must carefully monitor and account for these changes when conducting experiments in space.

5. How does the strength of gravity affect the types of experiments that can be conducted in space?

The strength of gravity greatly impacts the types of experiments that can be conducted in space. For example, experiments that require objects to stay in a fixed position, such as growing crystals, may be more difficult in microgravity. However, new types of experiments that are not possible on Earth, such as studying the behavior of fluids without the interference of gravity, can also be conducted.

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