Effect of reservoir location on water throw from hose

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of water flow and how it is affected by the height and location of a reservoir and a house at the bottom of a cliff. The kinetic energy of the water leaving a hose would be equal to the Gravitational Potential Energy at the surface of the reservoir, resulting in the same speed regardless of the slope. However, the relative height of the water tower and faucet can affect the speed and flow of water, with a higher location resulting in a faster flow. Ultimately, this explains why house B, located at the bottom of the cliff, would have a greater throw of water from the hose.
  • #1
voyager221
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If a reservoir was at the top of a cliff and a house was immediately below it with another house at the bottom of the cliff would the latter throw the water further from a hose due to the steep descent?
 
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  • #2
Apart from energy losses in the pipes, the situation should be the same in all cases. The kinetic energy of the water leaving the hose (hence, the speed) would be equal to the Gravitational Potential Energy at the surface of the reservoir.

A simpler example would be a car rolling down a frictionless slope. Whatever the profile of the slope (long and gentle or short and steep) the final speed would be the same. On the
 
  • #3
Well if I describe the question do you have any idea what it could mean? Might it mean the hose is sprayed from the reservoir?

'At which house will a hose throw water further'?

A reservoir is shown at the top of a cliff slightly below which is house A.

Immediately below A there is a sudden drop (a cliff) at the bottom of which is house B.

You have to choose between A, B or C (both). The correct answer is given as B however sadly there id no explanation. If the question means the hose is placed at the reservoir then B would make sense because the water travels in a straight path over the top of A before descending down on B?

I wouldn't have thought a hose would throw water that far though. Therefore I presumed the question meant turning on a hose at either house and the difference in the throw of water between the hoses.

Any suggestions? I can't provide further details as that is the extent of the diagram
 
  • #4
sophiecentaur said:
Apart from energy losses in the pipes, the situation should be the same in all cases. The kinetic energy of the water leaving the hose (hence, the speed) would be equal to the Gravitational Potential Energy at the surface of the reservoir.

You sure? The relative height of a water tower and the faucet from which we draw water does make a difference in the speed with which the water flows. Higher pressure at the lower location means more force acting on a a unit volume of water at the nozzle, hence more acceleration, greater speed, more kinetic energy. The greater speed translates into greater flow so the water level in the reservoir drops more quickly, transferring more potential energy per unit time.

I may be reading OP's (less than perfectly clear) question differently than you. If so... never mind.
 
  • #5
Nugatory said:
You sure? The relative height of a water tower and the faucet from which we draw water does make a difference in the speed with which the water flows. Higher pressure at the lower location means more force acting on a a unit volume of water at the nozzle, hence more acceleration, greater speed, more kinetic energy. The greater speed translates into greater flow so the water level in the reservoir drops more quickly, transferring more potential energy per unit time.

I may be reading OP's (less than perfectly clear) question differently than you. If so... never mind.

That is what I thought. Makes sense then why house B (at the bottom of the cliff) is the correct answer
 

1. How does the location of the reservoir affect the water throw from the hose?

The location of the reservoir can have a significant impact on the water throw from the hose. If the reservoir is located at a higher elevation, the water will have more potential energy and the throw will be greater. However, if the reservoir is located at a lower elevation, the water throw will be less as there is less potential energy.

2. Can the distance between the reservoir and the hose affect the water throw?

Yes, the distance between the reservoir and the hose can affect the water throw. The longer the distance, the more friction the water will encounter as it travels through the hose. This can result in a decrease in water throw.

3. Is there a difference in water throw depending on where the hose is connected to the reservoir?

Yes, there can be a difference in water throw depending on where the hose is connected to the reservoir. If the hose is connected to a lower point on the reservoir, the water will have less potential energy and the throw may be shorter. On the other hand, if the hose is connected to a higher point on the reservoir, the water may have more potential energy and the throw may be longer.

4. Can the shape of the reservoir affect the water throw from the hose?

Yes, the shape of the reservoir can have an impact on the water throw. If the reservoir is more narrow, the water may have a higher velocity as it exits the hose, resulting in a longer throw. If the reservoir is wider, the water may have a lower velocity and the throw may be shorter.

5. How does the pressure of the water in the reservoir affect the water throw from the hose?

The pressure of the water in the reservoir can greatly impact the water throw from the hose. The higher the pressure, the more force the water will have and the longer the throw will be. However, if the pressure is too high, it can cause the hose to burst or the nozzle to become dislodged, resulting in a shorter throw. It is important to maintain a safe and appropriate water pressure for optimal water throw.

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