Effect of reservoir location on water throw from hose

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of reservoir location on the distance water can be thrown from a hose, particularly comparing scenarios where the reservoir is positioned at the top of a cliff versus a hose located at different heights. The scope includes theoretical considerations of gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the kinetic energy of water leaving the hose is determined by the gravitational potential energy at the reservoir's surface, implying similar outcomes regardless of the hose's location.
  • Another participant argues that the relative height of the water source affects the speed of water flow, with higher pressure at lower locations resulting in greater acceleration and kinetic energy, potentially leading to a longer throw distance.
  • There is a clarification regarding the interpretation of the original question, with one participant proposing that the hose might be at the reservoir, which would support the idea that water would travel further when thrown from house B at the bottom of the cliff.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the mechanics of water throw distance and the implications of the hose's position, indicating a lack of clarity in the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are competing views on how the height of the reservoir and the location of the hose affect the distance water can be thrown. Some agree that house B would throw water further, while others challenge this notion based on different interpretations of the scenario.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear assumptions about the setup of the hose and reservoir, as well as the potential influence of energy losses in the system. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the original question and its implications.

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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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
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 

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