Will the column of water flow to the lower level with equal pressure?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether water will flow from a 1-foot high column to a lower level when both sources have a pressure of 15 psi. The consensus is that water flows from areas of higher potential energy to lower potential energy, but pressure also plays a critical role. In this scenario, the column's height provides greater potential energy, suggesting that water will flow downward despite equal pressures. The analogy of a U-tube is relevant, as both openings are exposed to atmospheric pressure, influencing the flow dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of potential energy in fluid systems
  • Familiarity with pressure concepts in hydraulics
  • Basic grasp of atmospheric pressure effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of hydrostatics and fluid flow
  • Explore Bernoulli's equation and its applications
  • Learn about pressure differentials in fluid systems
  • Investigate the behavior of fluids in U-tube manometers
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Homework Statement


If you have a column of water that stands 1 foot in the air vertically, and at the bottom of the column you had a supply of water that was 1 inch high. And both of the water supplies had a pressure of 15psi. would the water flow from the column of water 1 foot in the air to the lower level?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I think it would flow but I'm noit quit sure, because the column of water that is 1 foot in the air would have a higher potential energy than the lower level water. But yet again water only flows to lower pressure regions, or would there be an exception in this cause, because water also flows to lower potential regions.
 
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can anyone give me any help on this.
 
this seems like a u-tube where both openings are exposed to atmosoheric pressure, with a twist, maybe? A pic or better description, maybe we can help.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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