Does the Permeability of Water Prevent Surface Disturbance in Aquariums?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of water surface disturbances in aquariums, particularly in relation to the movement of fish. Participants explore concepts related to the permeability and compressibility of water and how these properties might affect surface disturbances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the original poster's use of the term "permeability" and suggest it may be a misunderstanding of "compressibility." There are discussions about the radius of disturbance caused by fish movement at varying depths and the effects of water viscosity on energy dissipation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active with participants clarifying terms and exploring different interpretations of how water dynamics affect surface disturbances. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between depth and disturbance radius, as well as the impact of water's viscosity on energy loss.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential confusion around terminology, such as "permeability" versus "compressibility," which may affect the clarity of the discussion. Additionally, the original poster's understanding of the concepts appears to be evolving as the discussion progresses.

Kaustubh sri
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When we look in the aquerium , the fish moves from here to there but there is no disturbance at the surface of water . Why is it so?

My attempt
Actually I think that this problem is due to permiability of water. Am I right or wrong?
 
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permeability of water? Do you mean the compressibility of water? It's not that.

If the fish is deep enough the disturbance at the surface has a small large radius. Water also flows quickly so it's self levelling.
 
What do u mean by small large radius
 
What do you mean by 'the permeability of the water'?
 
I mean to say water flux
 
Kaustubh sri said:
What do u mean by small large radius

Sorry I made a typo. I meant

If the fish is deep enough the disturbance at the surface has a large radius.
 
CWatters said:
Sorry I made a typo. I meant

If the fish is deep enough the disturbance at the surface has a large radius.

But if the fish is at the near the surface than
 
http://www.evols.org/mediawiki/images/thumb/e/ed/BL-06-1-streamlined.png/250px-BL-06-1-streamlined.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
There is indeed a disturbance at the surface of the water; it is usually negligibly small because the density difference between air and water is so big.
 
  • #10
Because of the viscosity of water, any time water moves, there is a loss of energy. If the fish is deep enough under the water, the energy will have dissipated by the time the disturbance reaches the surface.
 
  • #11
Thanx Cwatters and olivermsun I got it
 

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