Bernoulli? Difference in water pressure between floors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure difference between a water line entering a house and a faucet on the second floor, using Bernoulli's equation. The calculations initially suggested a pressure difference of 9.11 x 10^4 Pa, but the correct answer is 7.15 x 10^4 Pa, with the main line at a higher pressure. The confusion stemmed from the elevation change used in the calculations, with participants clarifying that the correct height difference is 5 meters. Ultimately, the original poster confirmed their answer was accurate, but the online system incorrectly marked it as wrong. The thread highlights the importance of understanding elevation changes in fluid dynamics calculations.
HeatherP
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Homework Statement



A water line enters a house 2.0 m below the ground. A smaller diameter pipe carries water to a faucet 5.0 m above the ground, on the second floor. Water flows at 2.0 m/s in the main line and at 7.0 m/s on the second floor. Take the density of water to be 1.0 x 103 kg/m3. The difference in pressure between the main line and the second floor is:

A. 7.15 x 104 Pa with the main line at the higher pressure
B. 2.65 x 104 Pa with the main line at the higher pressure
C. 7.15 x 104 Pa with the main line at the lower pressure
D. 2.65 x 104 Pa with the main line at the lower pressure
E. 9.4 x 104 Pa with the main line at the higher pressure


Homework Equations



p + 1/2ρv2 + ρgy

The Attempt at a Solution



main line = second floor

p1 + 1/2ρv21 + ρgy1 = p2 + 1/2ρv22 + ρgy2

p1 + (.5)(1000)(4) + (1000)(9.8)(0) = p2 + (.5)(1000)(49) + (1000)(9.8)(7)

p1 + 2000 + 0 = p2 + 24500 + 68600

p1 - p2 = 24500 + 68600 - 2000

= 9.11 X 104

I was told this answer was incorrect. I think I'm doing something wrong with my y (elevation). I've tried using 0 and 7 and -2 and 5 without success.

Per a search on the internet, it looks like 7.15 x 104 with the main line at the higher pressure is the right answer, but I can not find an explanation why.

Any idea where I'm going wrong?

Thanks!
 
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I think your answer is correct. The main pressure is definitely higher or you couldn't move the water to the upstairs. I don't see any math or conversion errors.
 
p1 + (.5)(1000)(4) + (1000)(9.8)(0) = p2 + (.5)(1000)(49) + (1000)(9.8)(7)

What answer do you get when you use 5m as the change in elevation, rather than 7m?
A. 7.15 x 104 Pa with the main line at the higher pressure
But 5m is the elevation change between the ground and the second floor.

Your question asks for pressure difference between main line and the second floor, which is what you calculated using 7m. Your answer seems correct.
 
Who says the answer is wrong, H?
 
GeorginaS said:
Who says the answer is wrong, H?

It was a question that I had to answer in an online format so it told me that the answer was incorrect once I submitted it.

I’m going to check with my professor today to see why the answer was marked incorrect. I’ll let y’all know what I learn.
 
Well, turns out my answer was right and the computer was wrong. Who would have thought! :)

Thanks all!
 
Wow, how cool is that? See? I didn't steer you wrong for physics advice. :smile:
 
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