A question about fluids and tubes

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter RMalayappan
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fluids
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of fluid flow through a tube compared to flow through an orifice, specifically in the context of an experiment involving a siphon. Participants explore the calculations related to the horizontal distance traveled by water siphoned from a graduated cylinder and the discrepancies observed in the results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment where they calculated the horizontal distance traveled by water from a tube, using equations derived from Torricelli's Law and basic kinematics.
  • Another participant questions how flow through a tube differs from flow through an orifice, implying that this difference may affect the calculations.
  • A participant suggests that the height of the siphon should influence the distance traveled, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the underlying physics.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the differences between flow from an orifice and flow through a tube, acknowledging a lack of clarity on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the differences between flow through a tube and an orifice, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct application of the equations in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not clarified specific assumptions or conditions that might affect the flow characteristics, and there is an indication of missing information regarding the physics of siphoning and fluid dynamics.

RMalayappan
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
My physics teacher cooked up an experiment today on the fly where we tried to calculate the horizontal distance traveled, D, from a rubber tube through which water was siphoned from a graduated cylinder elevated a certain distance H from the ground:
cP0DqsS.png

He modified an experiment he had found of the same sort but with a hole in the cylinder instead, in which case he could use Torricelli's Law to find that v=sqrt(2gh) for water exiting with the surface a distance of h above the hole and basic kinematics to find the horizontal distance upon impact with the ground. We tried the same equations with h being the height of the tube above the opening and the calculations gave a distance that was much farther than the actual distance. What is the proper way to go about this problem and why did the application of the same equations give such a gross overshoot?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
RMalayappan said:
tube through which water was siphoned
How does flow through a tube differ from flow through an orifice?
 
RMalayappan said:
We tried the same equations with h being the height of the tube above the opening and the calculations gave a distance that was much farther than the actual distance
So what you are saying is that if you move the top curve of the siphon higher or lower, using the "same equations" the distance d should vary?
Seems that you have forgotten something about the hose.
 
Evidently I have forgotten something, but I don't know what it is. I'm not exactly sure what is different between flow out of an orifice and a tube.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
12K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K