Change in pressure of a gas inside a tube

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around determining the change in pressure of a gas (G) in a U-shaped tube when a mass (m) of another fluid is added to one side. The final equation derived is p' - p = mg/S - 2ρ_mgΔh, where ρ_m is the density of mercury, Δh is the height change of mercury, and S is the cross-sectional area of the tube. Participants clarified the definitions of pressures p and p', leading to a refined understanding of the equilibrium state in the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles, particularly hydrostatic pressure.
  • Familiarity with U-shaped tube configurations and their behavior under pressure changes.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between pressure, density, and height in fluids (p = ρgh).
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of hydrostatic pressure equations in fluid mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of pressure equilibrium in U-shaped tubes with varying fluid densities.
  • Learn about the implications of adding different fluids to a static fluid system.
  • Investigate the effects of cross-sectional area on pressure changes in fluid dynamics.
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Students studying fluid mechanics, physics educators, and anyone involved in experiments or applications related to hydrostatic pressure and fluid equilibrium.

lorele
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Homework Statement


A U-shaped tube of uniform section "S" has one extreme closed and the other one open to the atmosphere. The tube contains mercury (M) in the central part, a gas (G) to the left that exerts a pressure "p" and a column of water (W) of height h_w to the right. Then, a mass "m" of another fluid of unknown density is poured over the right side and, when equilibrium is reached, the level of mercury on the left has risen "\Delta h", and the pressure of G is now p'. Determine the increase of pressure p'-p of G according to the density of mercury (\rho_m), \Delta h, S and m.
The given solution is p'-p={mg}/S - 2 \rho_m g \Delta h .
2. Homework Equations

p=\rho g h

The Attempt at a Solution

krrk
p'=p_{water} + p_{mercury} + p_{air}=\rho_w g h_w + \rho_m g h_{mercury} + p_{air}
p=p_{water} + p&#039;_{mercury} + p_{air} + p_{new}=<b>\rho_w g h_w + \rho_m g (h_{mercury}+\Delta h) + p_{air} + {mg}/S </b>
p&#039;-p={mg}/S + \rho_m g \Delta h
[/B]
 
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Your question presumably has to do with the difference between your answer and the given answer?
 
Bystander said:
Your question presumably has to do with the difference between your answer and the given answer?
Yes, I don't know how to get the actual answer.
 
You'll want to re-examine your definitions and uses of "p ′ " and "p."
 
Bystander said:
You'll want to re-examine your definitions and uses of "p ′ " and "p."

I can't edit the first post, so I made a new one. I swapped p' and p, but I think it's OK now. Still, I can't get the answer, and I don't know where I went wrong. Also, as the pressure increases with a decrease of height (that is, the change of height is actually negative), I changed the pressure of mercury in the second case to h-\Delta h, and I got somewhat closer to the solution, albeit without the 2, which I don't know where it comes from.

Homework Statement


A U-shaped tube of uniform section "S" has one extreme closed and the other one open to the atmosphere. The tube contains mercury (M) in the central part, a gas (G) to the left that exerts a pressure "p" and a column of water (W) of height h_w to the right. Then, a mass "m" of another fluid of unknown density is poured over the right side and, when equilibrium is reached, the level of mercury on the left has risen "Δh", and the pressure of G is now p'. Determine the increase of pressure p'-p of G according to the density of mercury (ρm), Δh, S and m.
The given solution is p′−p=mg/S−2ρmgΔh.

Homework Equations


p=ρgh

3. The Attempt at a Solution

p=p_{water}+p_{mercury}+p_{air}=ρ_w g h_w+ρ_m g h_{mercury}+p_{air}
p&#039;=p_{water}+p&#039;_{mercury}+p_{air}+p_{new}=\rho_wgh_w+\rho_mg(h_{mercury}-\Delta h)+p_{air}+{mg}/S
p′−p=p_{water}-p_{water}+p_{air}-p_{air}+p&#039;_{mercury}-p_{mercury}+mg/S=\rho_mg(h_{mercury}-\Delta h)-ρ_m g h_{mercury}+mg/S=mg/S-\rho_mg\Delta h

 
lorele said:
closer to the solution, albeit without the 2, which I don't know where it comes from
lorele said:
level of mercury on the left has risen "Δh"
... and, the level of mercury on the right has _________?
 
Bystander said:
... and, the level of mercury on the right has _________?
been reduced by -\Delta h :biggrin:. OK, thanks!
 

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