Fluid Mechanics - Highest Possible Water Can go in a Straw

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the maximum height that water can be drawn into a straw on Earth, considering the principles of fluid mechanics and atmospheric pressure. Participants explore the relationship between pressure, force, and the weight of the water column within the straw.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the creation of a vacuum in the straw and the role of atmospheric pressure in raising the water. Questions arise regarding the equations needed to calculate the height and the relationship between pressure, force, and volume. Some participants also question the relevance of cross-sectional area in the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing insights and raising questions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between pressure and height, but there is no clear consensus on the specific calculations or methods to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of specific information, such as the cross-sectional area of the straw, which complicates the problem. There is also a mention of the appropriateness of the question for the forum's introductory physics section.

nymetfan21
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I need to figure out the highest possible height that water can be sucked up into a straw on Earth. You have unlimited water.

So far I've figured out that when you suck, you create a vacuum that allows the water to rise up due to the atmospheric pressure and the force is creates pushing down on the rest of the water, which forces to water up the tube. I also figure that the highest height will be when the force the air pressure creates = weight of the water.

I have been unable to figure out the equations to solve this problem to acutally get the height.

Thanks a lot for your help!
 
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the pressure causes a Force = P times Area (cross-section A of tube)
the Volume of water in the tube = Area times height.

How do you get a weight from a Volume?

This is NOT advanced Physics ...
you should post questions like these in the INTRODUCTORY physics Area.
 
I believe its something like 32 feet.
 
Can this be another form of the same question ?
a mercury barometer is under free fall . what would be the height of mercury column in the barometer ?
 
lightgrav-

Your method would work if I knew the cross-sectional area. We arent given the cross-sectional area. All we are given is how high can the straw be. We have no other information.
 
All you need is \rho g H=P_{atmospheric}.
 

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