Calculate how much surface area/volume of water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the surface area and volume of water necessary to push a column of water to a certain height in a sump design. The focus is on understanding the principles of hydrostatic pressure and how they apply to the construction of a sump from acrylic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a formula or resource to calculate the surface area and volume of water needed for a sump design, emphasizing the need for precise dimensions.
  • Another participant suggests using the concept of hydrostatic equilibrium and proposes writing an equation that relates atmospheric pressure to the height of the water column.
  • A participant expresses a lack of familiarity with the physics involved, recalling similar problems from general physics but seeking clearer guidance.
  • Concerns are raised about a potential misconception regarding pressure, with a participant explaining that pressure does not concentrate and that water in a hose will not rise above the water level in the tank.
  • A participant acknowledges their misunderstanding about pressure distribution in relation to surface area and thanks another for the clarification.
  • Further discussion touches on the relationship between pressure and water height in different container sizes, indicating ongoing confusion about the principles at play.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit some disagreement regarding the understanding of pressure and its effects in this context. While some clarify misconceptions, no consensus is reached on the correct approach to calculating the necessary dimensions for the sump.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the application of hydrostatic principles and the implications of pressure in different configurations. The discussion reveals a need for clearer definitions and understanding of the underlying physics concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in fluid dynamics, sump design, or those seeking to understand the principles of hydrostatic pressure in practical applications.

tgn
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does anyone have a formula or a good link to show how to calculate how much surface area/volume of water it takes to push (from the bottom) a column of water of a certain width to a certain height. I'm trying to make my own sump out of acrylic and i need to know this to get the dimension right so that i'd know exactly how much of the first chamber will be submersed in water and how much wil be dry. thanks,
:confused:
 

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Well have you tried using the concept of hydrostatic equilibrium? Try writing an equation relating the atmospheric pressure with the height of the water column.

Cheers
mav
 
maverick280857 said:
Well have you tried using the concept of hydrostatic equilibrium? Try writing an equation relating the atmospheric pressure with the height of the water column.

Cheers
mav
heheh yeah i was hoping someone would tell me what the formula or relationship is though, as I'm not a physics major, do recall doing this kind problem in general physics though.
 
It sounds like you have a common misconception about pressure: pressure doesn't get concentrated. If you take a container of any size, fill it with water and attach a hose to the bottom, the water in the hose will rise no higher than the level of the water in the tank.
 
russ_watters said:
It sounds like you have a common misconception about pressure: pressure doesn't get concentrated. If you take a container of any size, fill it with water and attach a hose to the bottom, the water in the hose will rise no higher than the level of the water in the tank.
oh... i guess I'm wroing, I've always thought with the larger surface area on 1 side and a small surface area on the other, water on the smaller side will rise to a higher level due to pressure downward on the other side with the larger surface area..
thanks for the correction
 
russ_watters said:
It sounds like you have a common misconception about pressure: pressure doesn't get concentrated. If you take a container of any size, fill it with water and attach a hose to the bottom, the water in the hose will rise no higher than the level of the water in the tank.

Well looking sleepily at the diagram, I though this was a problem involving pressure. Did you get it to work tgn?

cheers
 

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