[Fluid Mechanics] How is the pressure at 2 different heights the same?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bernoulli's equation in fluid mechanics, specifically addressing the pressure at two different heights in a tank with a nozzle. Participants are exploring the assumptions made in the equation, particularly the assumption that the pressures at two points can be considered equal under certain conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the validity of assuming equal pressures at different heights, expressing confusion about the implications of diving deeper into water. Other participants clarify that the pressure just outside the tank is atmospheric and discuss the pressure dynamics at the exit point of the nozzle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the pressure conditions just inside and outside the tank. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of pressures in relation to atmospheric conditions, but there is no explicit consensus on the assumptions being debated.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of quasi-steady and incompressible flow assumptions, as well as the neglect of friction in the context of Bernoulli's equation. The discussion highlights the nuances of pressure changes near the exit of the tank.

PhyIsOhSoHard
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Homework Statement


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A tank containing water with a small nozzle at the bottom right where the water flows out.


Homework Equations


Bernoulli's equation:
p_1+\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2_1+\rho g h_1=p_2+\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2_2+\rho g h_2

3. Assumptions
(1) Quasi-steady flow
(2) Incompressible flow
(3) Neglect friction
(4) Flow along a streamline
(5) ##p_1=p_2##

4. The attempt at a solution
Can somebody explain to my why assumption (5) is acceptable? My intuition tells me that the lower you dive into water the more does the pressure rise.

How can my textbook make this assumption for Bernoulli's equation?
 
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##p_2## here means the pressure "just outside the tank". Which would be atmospheric. Just inside the tank, at the opening, the pressure will indeed be greater. You can set up the Bernoulli equation for the "just inside" and "just outside" points, you should get the same exit velocity.
 
From how it looks P1 is at one pressure like atmosphere and P2 would be where the tank is draining out to atmosphere.
 
voko said:
##p_2## here means the pressure "just outside the tank". Which would be atmospheric. Just inside the tank, at the opening, the pressure will indeed be greater. You can set up the Bernoulli equation for the "just inside" and "just outside" points, you should get the same exit velocity.
I don't think that this is quite correct. Just inside the tank adjacent to the exit, the fluid velocity is already essentially at the exit velocity, and the pressure at that location is thus also very close to atmospheric. The acceleration as a result of the decrease in potential energy has mostly taken place by the time the fluid parcels reach the location "just inside" the exit.
 
I do not see any disagreement with what I wrote, Chestermiller. "Just inside" the pressure may be very close to atmospheric, but still it is a tad greater. I did not mean to imply that there is a major pressure gradient between "just inside" and "just outside". Perhaps that should have been stated explicitly, though.
 
voko said:
I do not see any disagreement with what I wrote, Chestermiller. "Just inside" the pressure may be very close to atmospheric, but still it is a tad greater. I did not mean to imply that there is a major pressure gradient between "just inside" and "just outside". Perhaps that should have been stated explicitly, though.
Then, yes, we are in perfect agreement.
 

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