A question regarding Bernoulli's equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Bernoulli's equation and the interpretation of pressures within a fluid system. Participants explore the nature of pressures (internal vs. external) and the conditions under which Bernoulli's principle applies, particularly in dynamic equilibrium scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the pressures in Bernoulli's equation represent the fluid's own pressure or the pressure exerted by the surroundings.
  • Another participant asserts that the pressure exerted by a fluid element on its surroundings equals the pressure exerted on it by its surroundings.
  • There is a discussion about whether this relationship holds true in all cases, with one participant asking for potential exceptions.
  • A participant introduces a practical example involving a glucose solution bag and blood pressure, suggesting that dynamic equilibrium occurs when the pressures equalize.
  • Another participant emphasizes that Newton's Third Law applies universally, but the conditions for comparison in Bernoulli's principle require specific constraints.
  • Concerns are raised about pressure gradients within the fluid and how they relate to flow, with a participant noting that pressure does not have to be constant across the fluid.
  • One participant reiterates that increasing the height of the glucose solution bag creates a pressure difference, affecting flow into the veins.
  • Another participant clarifies that while pressure increases with depth, pressure exerted at a horizontal plane within the fluid remains equal above and below that plane.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of pressures in Bernoulli's equation and the conditions under which they apply. There is no consensus on whether the pressures are solely internal or influenced by external factors, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of dynamic equilibrium.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of fluid dynamics, including pressure gradients and the conditions necessary for applying Bernoulli's principle. The discussion highlights the need for specific constraints to make valid comparisons across different points in the fluid.

Volta
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P1 + ρgh1 + 0.5ρv21 = P2 + ρgh2 + 0.5ρv22
In the derivation of this equation from the theorem of Work-Kinetic Energy, pressures ( P1 and P2) represent are derived from F = PA, forces affected by other portions of fluid upon the fluid in the middle (which is our concern) at 2 different points. So do we consider them the pressure of the fluid itself or the pressure exerted by surroundings on the fluid?
 
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The pressure in the fluid which is 'our concern' :wink:
 
Volta said:
So do we consider them the pressure of the fluid itself or the pressure exerted by surroundings on the fluid?
The pressure exerted by the fluid element on its surroundings is equal to the pressure exerted on the fluid element by its surroundings.
 
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Ah I see. But is this always the case?
 
Can you think of a possible exception ?
 
Volta said:
Ah I see. But is this always the case?
It's a consequence of Newton's Third Law.
 
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Sorry for the late reply.

Like, this applies when the fluid is in dynamic equilibrium right?

For example, consider the glucose solution plastic bag attached to the veins in the hand of a patient, if we set the bag at some specific height, glucose will reach the veins but won't be able to get inside since blood pressure is higher, so I think blood will get out rather - until- the pressure of the glucose solution is equal to the blood pressure, then we have a state of dynamic equilibrium right? But if we increase the pressure of the glucose by increasing the height of the bag, we would create a constant difference in pressure, glucose pressure will be higher and thus glucose will flow inside the veins, here both substances don't have equal pressures
 
Volta said:
Like, this applies when the fluid is in dynamic equilibrium right?

For example, consider the glucose solution plastic bag attached to the veins in the hand of a patient, if we set the bag at some specific height, glucose will reach the veins but won't be able to get inside since blood pressure is higher, so I think blood will get out rather - until- the pressure of the glucose solution is equal to the blood pressure, then we have a state of dynamic equilibrium right? But if we increase the pressure of the glucose by increasing the height of the bag, we would create a constant difference in pressure, glucose pressure will be higher and thus glucose will flow inside the veins, here both substances don't have equal pressures
That all sounds fine, but I don't see how it is related to what you were asking before. Force (pressure) applied to something always equals force (pressure) returned from it. That's Newton's 3rd law and it is always true.

What may be your confusion is that Newton's 3rd Law applies all the time, at every point in space and time, but that doesn't mean every point in space and time is the same. You may not be able to compare different points at different places and times unless certain constraints exist. And That's what Bernoulli's principle/equation does; it enables the comparison, with certain defined constraints.
 
Volta said:
So do we consider them the pressure of the fluid itself or the pressure exerted by surroundings on the fluid?
The pressure of the fluid itself doesn't have to be constant. There can be a pressure gradient across the fluid. And If there is a net force, it will start to flow. But at each interface the pressure by the fluid equals the pressure on the fluid.
 
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Volta said:
But if we increase the pressure of the glucose by increasing the height of the bag, we would create a constant difference in pressure, glucose pressure will be higher and thus glucose will flow inside the veins, here both substances don't have equal pressures

What you describe is essentially the increase in pressure with depth, ##\rho gh##. But imagine any horizontal plane within the fluid, the pressure exerted by the fluid above the plane is equal to the pressure exerted by the fluid below the plane at the plane.
 

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