Density of water as a function of depth

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on estimating the density of water at a depth of 5.3 km using the bulk modulus of water, which is 2.0 x 109 Pa. The participants utilize the equation ΔV/V = (-1/B)ΔP and the pressure gradient equation dP/dY = -ρg to derive the necessary calculations. Initial assumptions include a pressure of 1 atm (1.013 x 105 Pa) and a density of 1000 kg/m3. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying pressure equations and integrating them to find the density at significant depths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles, specifically pressure and density relationships.
  • Familiarity with the bulk modulus of materials, particularly water.
  • Knowledge of calculus, especially integration techniques.
  • Basic grasp of atmospheric pressure and its conversion to underwater pressure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of pressure as a function of depth in fluids.
  • Learn about the implications of the bulk modulus in fluid dynamics.
  • Explore integration techniques for solving differential equations in physics.
  • Investigate the effects of variable density on pressure calculations in fluids.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying fluid mechanics, as well as professionals involved in underwater pressure calculations and material properties analysis.

LBloom
Messages
169
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Estimate the density of the water 5.3 km deep in the sea. (bulk modulus for water is B=2.0 *10^9

Homework Equations



[tex]\Delta[/tex]V/V=([tex]-1/B[/tex])*[tex]\Delta[/tex]P

dP/dY=-[tex]\rho[/tex]g

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to use the equation:
P=Po*e^(-[tex]\rho[/tex]o/Po)*gh
But i kept getting ridiculously large answers that i don't think could possibly be true.

I said that the initial pressure was 1atm or 1.013*10^5 Pa and that initial density was 1*10^3(kg/m^3).

I know that once i get the pressure under water, I can find the change in volume divided by volume (delta V over V) and from there figure out how what the density of a theoretical block of water would be if submerged 5300 meters. Its just finding out the pressure that trips me up. Am i using the wrong constants or must i derive a different equation for pressure as a function of height?

I tried to find volume as a function of pressure, but its finding the pressure with a variable density that keeps throwing me off. I'm not sure the third equation i used is correct for this kind of problem.

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
as a sense check, first assume the density is constant, calculate the pressure at 5.3km (10m of water is ~1atm so will be around 530atm). now use this to estimate the density as the chaneg will probably be reasonably small... also gives you an idea of your error


now for a more accurate assumption, set up your de as follows..
[tex]\rho(V) = \frac{m}{V}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d}{dV} \rho(V) = -\frac{m}{V^2}[/tex]
[tex]d \rho = -\frac{dV}{V} \rho[/tex]

then from the bulk modulus
[tex]\frac{dV}{V} = -\frac{dP}{B}[/tex]
[tex]d \rho= \frac{dP}{B} \rho[/tex]
or
[tex]dP = B \frac{d \rho}{\rho}[/tex]


then the pressure gradient with denisty you know
[tex]\frac{d}{dy} P(y) = \rho(y).g[/tex]
re-arranging
[tex]dP(y) = \rho(y).g.dy[/tex]

then combine the equations & integrate
 
Last edited:
thank you for your help, and i certainly will look this this over to get a better understanding of the problem, but I actually made this problem more difficult than it had to be and i don't need differentials. thanks again though
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K