Differences in Water Pressure in a Horizontal Pipe with Changing Radius

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In summary, the water pressure difference between the 6 cm radius region and the 4 cm radius region of the pipe can be found by using the equation P1 + .5pv1^2 = P2 + .5pv2^2, where the volume flow rate Q = A1*v1 = A2*v2. The necessary force to produce the acceleration of the water can be divided by the area to find the pressure difference.
  • #1
yankees26an
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Homework Statement


Water is flowing through a horizontal pipe that has a radius of 6 cm gradually narrowing to a
radius of 4 cm. The volume flow rate is 0.008 m3/s. What is the difference in the water pressurebetween the 6 cm radius region and the 4 cm radius region of the pipe?


Homework Equations



P + .5pv^2 + pgy = constant


The Attempt at a Solution



y is 0 so that part cancels

p(density) is 1000 kg/m^3 for water

P1 + .5pv1^2 = P2 + .5pv2^2

Not sure where to go from there
 
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  • #2
Since water can't "build up" any where in the pipe, the same volume of water must flow through both 6 cm radius and 4 cm radius portions in the pipe at the same time. Since the area of of the 4 cm radius portion is smaller than the 6 cm radius portion, the water must flow faster through the 4 cm portion to do that. That is, it must accelerate. How much faster must it go? What force is necessary to product that acceleration? That force, divided by the area is the pressure difference.
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy said:
What force is necessary to product that acceleration?

Any hints?

choice 1: pressure?

If so, how?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
The volume flow rate Q = A1*v1 = A2*v2.
from the radii of the pipes you can find A1 and A2. From that you can find v1 and v2. Substitute these values in the relevant equation to find P1 - P2.
 

What is pressure?

Pressure is the force per unit area exerted by a fluid or gas on a surface. It is typically measured in units of Pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).

How does pressure differ between liquids and gases?

The main difference in pressure between liquids and gases is that liquids are considered to be almost incompressible, meaning that their density remains relatively constant regardless of the applied pressure. Gases, on the other hand, are highly compressible and their density will change significantly with changes in pressure.

What causes differences in pressure?

Differences in pressure are caused by a variety of factors including temperature, altitude, and the amount of gas or fluid present. Changes in these variables can lead to changes in pressure, either increasing or decreasing it.

How is pressure measured?

Pressure can be measured using a variety of instruments such as barometers, manometers, and pressure gauges. These instruments typically work by converting the force exerted by the fluid or gas into a readable measurement.

What are some examples of pressure differences in everyday life?

Some examples of pressure differences in everyday life include the pressure changes experienced during a flight, the pressure inside a tire or balloon, and the pressure changes in our ears when we ride in an elevator or go scuba diving.

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