Explaining Siphon Mechanics with Bernoulli's Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of a siphon and its explanation through Bernoulli's equation. Participants explore the conditions necessary for water to flow between two beakers at different heights, focusing on pressure differentials and the implications of Bernoulli's principle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why a siphon requires one beaker to be at a higher height than the other, suggesting that a pressure differential is necessary for water flow.
  • Another participant asserts that water flows from higher pressure to lower pressure, raising a question about the pressures in the beakers and whether the pressure in the lower beaker is indeed greater than in the higher beaker.
  • A participant mentions their background in university physics and fluid dynamics, indicating that they have encountered similar concepts in their studies and are seeking clarification on the physics involved.
  • There is a suggestion that drawing a diagram may help clarify the actual pressures involved in the siphon mechanism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between pressure and height in the context of siphon mechanics. There is no consensus on the pressures in the beakers or the direction of water flow based on pressure differentials.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference Bernoulli's equation and its application to fluid dynamics, but the discussion reveals uncertainty regarding the interpretation of pressure in relation to height. The need for a clear understanding of pressure differentials and their role in siphon operation remains unresolved.

Joseph Phan
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Could someone explain to me how a Siphon works using Bernoulli's equation.

Why would one beaker have to have a higher height than the other beaker?

My thoughts were that a Pressure differential is needed for water to flow, so the input and the output pressures must be different.
In addition, water flows from higher pressure to lower pressure

Using Bernoullis' equation 1/2ρv2 +mgh + P = constant

Why does water flow from the beaker with a greater height into the beaker with the lower height?

Isn't pressure B1 ( beaker with the lower height) greater than the pressure B2 (beaker with the greater height). And that water would move from the lower height to the higher height due to water wanting to flow from greater pressure to lower pressure?
 
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Joseph Phan said:
Could someone explain to me how a Siphon works using Bernoulli's equation.

Why would one beaker have to have a higher height than the other beaker?

My thoughts were that a Pressure differential is needed for water to flow, so the input and the output pressures must be different.
In addition, water flows from higher pressure to lower pressure

Using Bernoullis' equation 1/2ρv2 +mgh + P = constant

Why does water flow from the beaker with a greater height into the beaker with the lower height?

Isn't pressure B1 ( beaker with the lower height) greater than the pressure B2 (beaker with the greater height). And that water would move from the lower height to the higher height due to water wanting to flow from greater pressure to lower pressure?

Hi there Joseph,

you have labelled your post I for undergraduate level , what university studies have you done using Bernoulli's equation.?
what online research have you done so far ?
 
davenn said:
Hi there Joseph,

you have labelled your post I for undergraduate level , what university studies have you done using Bernoulli's equation.?
what online research have you done so far ?
I've taken Unviersity physics the course and we went through Fluid and Fluid dynamics and I'm studying for the MCAT right now. There was a passage on this question how a toilet works and its relationship from how water moves from the Bowl, through the Erkel tube.

I'd did research on youtube and wikipedia, to find out the physics behind it, but it was vague or didn't explain the physics.
 
Joseph Phan said:
My thoughts were that a Pressure differential is needed for water to flow, so the input and the output pressures must be different.
In addition, water flows from higher pressure to lower pressure
This is true.
Isn't pressure B1 ( beaker with the lower height) greater than the pressure B2 (beaker with the greater height).
No. Maybe you should draw a diagram and label the actual pressures.
 

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