Calculating Hydrostatic Pressure Difference

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating hydrostatic pressure difference using a specific formula involving the number of moles of water, force per mole, and area. Participants explore the calculations related to a nanotube system with water on both sides, addressing dimensional analysis and unit conversions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for hydrostatic pressure difference, \(\Delta P = n*f/A\), and provides initial calculations based on given dimensions and properties of water.
  • Another participant questions the context of the problem and the substitution of depth into the equation, suggesting that this may affect the correctness of the calculations.
  • A later reply confirms that the calculations are dimensionally correct but does not verify the numerical accuracy without additional context.
  • Further, a participant recalculates the pressure difference and attempts to convert the result into MPa, providing a conversion factor for kcal to N.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the calculations, as some express uncertainty about the context and assumptions made in the calculations. There are multiple viewpoints regarding the validity of the approach and the necessity of corrections.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly the use of depth in the formula and the overall context of the problem. The conversion process between units also remains a point of discussion.

greisen
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Hi

I am to calculate the hydrostatic pressure difference - given by the

\Delta P = n*f/A

where f = 0.4 kcal/mol/Å. The unit cell has the dimension 23Å x 19.9Å x 30.4 Å and the number of water molecules are 5.4 Å in the z-direction with a molar volume of 55.5 mol/l.

I start by calculating the moles of water
n = 23Å*19.9Å*5.4Å*55.5 mol/l 1000 l/Å^3 = 1.37*10^-19 mol

Than I assume that the force is acting on the 5.4Å depth of water which gives a pressure of

\Delta P = 5.4Å*0.4 kcal/mol/Å*1.37*10^-19 mol /(23*10^-10*19.9*10¯10)m² = 6.47*10^-18 kcal/m^2

It seems a little strange and how to convert into Pascal? Any help or comments appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1. Homework & Coursework is the correct place for this question (not the Chemistry subforum).

2. What is the context for all this?

3. Why have you substituted the depth, d=5.4A into the equation?

4. Once you make the correction in 3, you will find you have the correct dimensions to convert to units of Pa.
 
so this should be okay

0.4 kcal/mol/Å*1.37*10^-19 mol /(23*10^-10*19.9*10¯10)m² = 1.1988e-08 kcal/Å /m^2

and than convert this to Pa? Thanks in advance
 
I can't attest to the correctness of the calculation without knowing what the question is, but now it is at least dimensionally correct.
 
Hi

Sorry if it is bit unclear.

I should calculate the pressure difference with a nanotube and on water on both sides. So I will use the formula \Delta P = n*f/A where f = 0.4 kcal/mol/Å and the unit cell of the system is 23Å*19.9Å*30.4Å and the number of water is in the 5.4 Å thick layer with a molar volume of 55.5 mol/l. So I end up with this

\Delta P = 10^10 Å/m 0.4 kcal/mol/Å*1.37*10^-19 mol /(23*10^-10*19.9*10¯10)m² = 119.88 kcal/m m^2

which I convert to MPascal with 1 kcal/m = 4184 N

4184 m/kcal N * 119.88 kcal/m m^2 / 10^6 = 0.50 MPa

Does this seems correct? Thanks in advance
 

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