How High Did Water Rise in the Squalus Diving Bell?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a historical scenario where the Squalus submarine sank, and a diving bell was used to rescue trapped crewmen. The discussion centers on determining how high water rises within the diving bell, given specific conditions such as depth, temperature, and seawater density.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between pressure and water height within the diving bell, questioning the necessity of knowing the cylinder's radius. They also discuss the implications of specific gravity and how it relates to the water's behavior inside and outside the bell.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the assumptions regarding specific gravity and pressure changes as water rises in the bell. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relevance of the radius and the factors affecting water height.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the physical principles at play, particularly regarding pressure and temperature variations, without explicit consensus on the need for certain parameters like the radius of the diving bell.

Jason Onwenu
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Homework Statement


During a test dive in 1939, prior to being accepted by the U.S. Navy, the submarine Squalus sank at a point where the depth of water was 73.0 m. The temperature at the surface was 27.0 ∘C and at the bottom it was 7.0 ∘C. The density of seawater is 1030 kg/m3. A diving bell was used to rescue 33 trapped crewmen from the Squalus. The diving bell was in the form of a circular cylinder 2.30 m high, open at the bottom and closed at the top. When the diving bell was lowered to the bottom of the sea, to what height did water rise within the diving bell? (Hint: You may ignore the relatively small variation in water pressure between the bottom of the bell and the surface of the water within the bell.)

Homework Equations


P = rho * g * height
PV = nRT
P1V1/T1 = P2V2/T2
V = pi * radius^2 * height

The Attempt at a Solution



P(bottom) = 101325 + (1030*9.8*73) = 838137 Pa
V2 = ? (The radius wasn't given...)
T2 = 280.15 K

P(top) = 101325
V1 = ? (The radius wasn't given...)
T1 = 303.15K

At this point, I couldn't really proceed with my calculations because a radius wasn't given. I'm wondering if I could solve for the radius with the information given or if the radius is even needed at all.
 
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You should ask yourself this question: Why does the water stop rising inside the diving bell when it is lowered onto the submarine?

Once you answer this question, think about whether you need to know the radius of the cylinder.
 
SteamKing said:
You should ask yourself this question: Why does the water stop rising inside the diving bell when it is lowered onto the submarine?

Once you answer this question, think about whether you need to know the radius of the cylinder.

I'm guessing it has something to do with (specific) gravity? Since there is a difference in temperature?
 
Last edited:
Jason Onwenu said:
I'm thinking it has something to do with (specific) gravity?

Why would specific gravity stop water from rising inside the diving bell?

Isn't the specific gravity of the water inside the diving bell the same as the specific gravity of the water outside?

Hint: Think about what is changing inside the bell as the water rises.
 
SteamKing said:
Why would specific gravity stop water from rising inside the diving bell?

Isn't the specific gravity of the water inside the diving bell the same as the specific gravity of the water outside?

Hint: Think about what is changing inside the bell as the water rises.

Pressure changes...
 
SteamKing said:
Why would specific gravity stop water from rising inside the diving bell?

Isn't the specific gravity of the water inside the diving bell the same as the specific gravity of the water outside?

Hint: Think about what is changing inside the bell as the water rises.

Is specific gravity a constant value for a specific substance? Or does it vary with temperature?
 
Last edited:
Do calculations until the end and then ask if you need the radius.
 

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