Find the height of fluid in a U-tube container?

In summary, a 20 g block rests on a plate on top of fluid in a U-tube with two different fluids of densities 1070 kg/m3 and 650 kg/m3. The U-tube has a cross sectional area of 4.6 * 10-4 m2 and the surfaces are offset by an amount h. The attempted solution was using the equation h = [(p1-p2)/p1]*h2, but it was incorrect. The calculated value was 0.0785 m. Further clarification is needed to determine which fluid is which and the total mass above specific points in the U-tube.
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Homework Statement



A block of mass 20 g sits at rest on a plate that is at the top of the fluid on one side of a U-tube as shown below. The U-tube contains two different fluids with densities ρ1 = 1070 kg/m3 and ρ2 = 650 kg/m3 and has a cross sectional area A = 4.6 * 10-4 m2. The surfaces are offset by an amount h as shown.

Homework Equations



I thought the equation I wanted to use was h = [(p1-p2)/p1]*h2, but this isn't correct.

The Attempt at a Solution



Based on what I thought the equation was, I got .0785m, which isn't right.

I used [(1070-650)/1070] * .2

Any help would be appreciated.
 

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  • #2
Which fluid is which?
Consider the point at the bottom of the blue fluid, and the point at the same height in the right-hand part of the U. For each point, what is the total mass above it?
 

Related to Find the height of fluid in a U-tube container?

1. How does a U-tube container work?

A U-tube container is a simple apparatus used to measure the height of fluid in a closed system. It consists of a long tube bent into the shape of a U, with one end open and the other end connected to a closed container. The open end is used to fill the tube with fluid, and the closed end is used to measure the height of the fluid.

2. How do you measure the height of fluid in a U-tube container?

To measure the height of fluid in a U-tube container, you simply need to fill the open end of the tube with the desired fluid, ensuring that the fluid level is the same on both sides of the tube. Then, using a ruler or measuring tape, you can measure the height of the fluid from the bottom of the tube to the fluid's surface.

3. What factors affect the height of fluid in a U-tube container?

The height of fluid in a U-tube container is affected by several factors, including the density of the fluid, the diameter of the tube, and the pressure inside the closed container. In general, the higher the density of the fluid and the smaller the diameter of the tube, the higher the fluid will rise in the tube. Additionally, an increase in pressure inside the closed container will cause the fluid to rise higher in the tube.

4. Can the height of fluid in a U-tube container be used to calculate volume?

Yes, the height of fluid in a U-tube container can be used to calculate the volume of the fluid. This can be done by using the formula for the volume of a cylinder (V = πr2h), where r is the radius of the tube and h is the height of the fluid in the tube. However, this calculation assumes that the fluid is evenly distributed throughout the tube and does not take into account any irregularities in the shape of the tube or the presence of air pockets.

5. Are there any safety precautions to take when using a U-tube container?

Yes, there are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when using a U-tube container. It is important to handle the container with care, as the glass or plastic tube can break if dropped or mishandled. Additionally, when using a U-tube container to measure the height of a liquid, make sure to use a fluid that is safe and non-toxic. Finally, always make sure to properly dispose of the fluid after use to prevent any potential hazards.

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