How Does Water Pressure Affect Piston Position in an Ideal Gas Cylinder?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the position of a piston in a cylinder filled with an ideal gas when water is poured into an upper cavity. The equilibrium condition requires that the pressure exerted by the water equals the pressure exerted by the gas. The pressure from the water is calculated using its density and the height of the water column above the piston. The participant expresses confusion about how to relate the gas pressure to the volume and temperature, indicating a need for clarification on the ideal gas law. The conversation highlights the challenge of applying theoretical concepts to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



An upright cylinder 1.00m tall and closed at it's lower end is fitted with a light piston that is free to slide up and down. Initially the piston is in the centre. Above the piston, the cylinder forms a cup-like cavity which water is poured into until it is full. Assuming that the lower portion of the cylinder contains an ideal gas, determine the position of the piston when the upper cavity is full of water.


Homework Equations



Density of water = 1000 kg/m^3

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried doing this in so many different ways, here is but one (I have a very strong feeling i am barking up the wrong tree, this question is only worth 5 marks out of 100 on an exam paper. I must be overcomplicating it)

let h be the final distance from the base to the piston when the upper cavity is filled with water

let A be the area of the piston

Theory:
When the upper cavity is full of water, the preassure of the water acting down must be equal to the preassure of the gas acting up for equilibrium.
So find and equate the final equilibrium Preassures:

For the Water:

the preassure exerted is force/area

Pw = {mg}/{A}

since the mass of water m = \rho V

where the volume V = A(1-h)

so:

Pw = {g \rho A(1-h)} / A = g \rho (1-h)
Now for the gas:

?

I have no idea, this is where i confused myself.
After this, i tried doing it using relationships between the Work done on the gas and the work done by the water on the piston.

I'm thoroughly stuck and if anyone's seen anything like this before then i'd be glad of a kick in the right direction. (If you know please don't post the entire answer, I just need to know what I've missed or where to start. Thanks)

Edit: Sorry about the formatting, I tried to make it look pretty but my Latex is pretty rusty
 
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