Does Tank Height Affect Water Pressure and Force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between tank height and water pressure, specifically comparing a tall tank and a shorter pressurized tank, both exerting 5 psi at their bases. It concludes that both tanks exert the same pressure, resulting in no fluid movement when connected by a pipe. The force exerted by each tank is determined by the pressure and the area of the base, leading to the understanding that height does not inherently increase force if pressure is equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of pressure measurement units (psi)
  • Familiarity with the concept of hydrostatic pressure
  • Basic understanding of closed systems in fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research hydrostatic pressure calculations in fluid mechanics
  • Explore the implications of pressure in closed systems
  • Learn about the effects of tank geometry on fluid dynamics
  • Investigate the principles of Pascal's law in fluid systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, and students studying hydraulic systems will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the effects of tank design on pressure and fluid movement.

Idea04
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You have two closed water tanks. One tank is taller that allow pressure to build up from the shear weight of the fluid. And the other is a lot shorter that is pressurized. If the pressure on the bottom of the tall tank was 5 psi and the pressure in the small tank was 5 psi. Would they both exert the same force? Or would the small tank have a stronger force on account of the tank being lower volume and have a high pressure.
 
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Idea04 said:
You have two closed water tanks. One tank is taller that allow pressure to build up from the shear weight of the fluid. And the other is a lot shorter that is pressurized. If the pressure on the bottom of the tall tank was 5 psi and the pressure in the small tank was 5 psi. Would they both exert the same force? Or would the small tank have a stronger force on account of the tank being lower volume and have a high pressure.
They would both exert the same pressure... so if you take a pipe and connect the two, no fluid would move between the two tanks. In other words, for a given element of fluid in the pipe of area A and thickness dx, the force would be PA - PA = 0, so it would not move.

AM
 

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