How Does Acceleration Affect Water Levels in a U-Shaped Tube?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of acceleration on liquid levels in a U-shaped tube. When the tube accelerates to the right, the liquid shifts to the left due to the inertial effects experienced by the liquid. This results in a pressure differential, where the right column experiences pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The relationship between the tube's length and the height difference in the liquid columns is tied to the principles of fluid dynamics and acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of pressure differentials in fluids
  • Concept of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of fluid dynamics in accelerating systems
  • Learn about pressure differentials in non-inertial reference frames
  • Explore the effects of acceleration on fluid behavior in U-shaped tubes
  • Investigate real-world applications of fluid dynamics in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, engineers working with fluid systems, and anyone interested in the dynamics of liquids under acceleration will benefit from this discussion.

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I'm having trouble with this problem here.

A U-shaped tube with a horizontal portion of length L contains a liquid. What is the difference in height between the liquid columns in the vertical arms if the tube has an acceleration toward the right?

There must be a net force to the left that presses the liquid to the left. In the right column there must be a pressure greater than the atmospheric pressure. But I don't know how to relate the length of the tube to the answer. Could someone please give me a clue how to solve this.
 
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why must there be a force to the left? acceleration is to the right. what makes you think that there is pressure greater than atm. on the right. could you explain your logic.
 
The tube accelerates to the right. The water goes to the left, so there must be a force pressing it to the left. I know its not really a force, but It helps thinking of it that way. When you drive a car in a circle your body gets pressed to the sides. Your body is not in a an inertial frame of reference neither is the water. Is this not true?
 

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