U-tube manometer fluid mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a manometer with a U-tube, water and oil of specific gravity 0.83. The question is about the difference in pressures that would cause the oil/water interface to move 1cm. The OP attempted to solve it using an equation, but the correct answer is 21 Pa, not 16.67 Pa as in their calculation. The reason for the discrepancy is that the heights of the liquids in the enlarged sections also affect the pressure difference. The suggestion is made to draw a diagram and not guess equations when solving problems.
  • #1
Iclaudius
36
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Hi friends - I'm at a lost on this particular problem which reads:

a manometer consists of a U-tube, 7mm internal diameter, with vertical limbs with an enlarged upper end of 44mm diameter. the left-hand limb and the bottom of the tube are filled with water and the top of the right hand limb is filled with oil of specific gravity 0.83. the free surfaces of the liquids are in the enlarged ends and the interface between the oil and water is in the tube below the enlarged end. what would be the difference in pressures applied to the free surfaces which would cause the oil/water interface to move 1cm?

My attempt was to identify all the different pressures that need be accounted for so i ended up with the following equation,

P(left) -P(right) = p(oil) g* 0.01 - p(water) g *0.01

= 16.67 Pa, however answer in book is 21 Pa.

any advice or help would be greatly appreciated,
Claudius
 
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  • #2
If the OP had drawn a diagram of what is happening, he would have realized that the heights of the liquids in the enlarged sections also change which affects the pressure difference. Guessing an equation is always a bad idea.
 
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Likes Richard Spiteri

1. What is a U-tube manometer?

A U-tube manometer is a device used to measure the pressure difference between two points in a fluid system. It consists of a U-shaped tube filled with a liquid, usually mercury or water, and connected to the points of pressure difference through tubes. The difference in height of the liquid in the two arms of the U-tube indicates the pressure difference.

2. How does a U-tube manometer work?

The U-tube manometer works on the principle of hydrostatics, which states that the pressure at any point in a fluid is equal in all directions. The pressure difference between the two points in the fluid system causes a difference in the height of the liquid in the two arms of the U-tube. This height difference is measured and used to calculate the pressure difference.

3. What are the advantages of using a U-tube manometer?

One advantage of using a U-tube manometer is its simplicity and low cost. It also has a wide range of applications and can measure both positive and negative pressure differences. Additionally, it does not require any external power source or calibration, making it easy to use and maintain.

4. Are there any limitations to using a U-tube manometer?

One limitation of a U-tube manometer is that it can only measure static pressure differences, not dynamic pressure. It also has a limited range of measurement, as the height difference in the liquid cannot exceed the length of the arms of the U-tube. Additionally, the liquid used in the manometer can evaporate over time, affecting the accuracy of the measurements.

5. How is the accuracy of a U-tube manometer ensured?

The accuracy of a U-tube manometer can be ensured by using a high-quality liquid with a low vapor pressure, such as mercury, and keeping the manometer in a stable and controlled environment. Regular maintenance and calibration can also help maintain accuracy. Additionally, using multiple manometers in parallel can provide a more accurate measurement by reducing the effects of errors or fluctuations in one manometer.

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