Is water pressure on an inclined wall less than the weight of the water?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between water pressure acting on an inclined wall and the weight of the water acting on that wall. Participants explore concepts related to hydrostatic pressure, force components, and the definitions of weight in the context of fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that hydrostatic pressure is a function of depth and acts normal to the wall, while weight is a force that acts vertically.
  • There is confusion regarding the definitions and roles of pressure and weight, with some participants suggesting that the diagram presented is incorrect.
  • Participants debate whether weight should be included in the analysis of forces acting on the wall, with some arguing that pressure acts at a point and does not have a weight.
  • One participant proposes that the total force on the wall can be calculated based on the weight of the water, but acknowledges that this involves more complex calculations.
  • There is a discussion about the components of forces acting on the wall, with some participants suggesting that the vertical component of the total force is equal to the weight of the water.
  • Others clarify that the total normal force on the wall is greater than the weight of the water supported by it.
  • Some participants draw analogies with other scenarios, such as a brick on an inclined plane, to illustrate their points about weight and force.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between water pressure and weight, with multiple competing views remaining. There is ongoing debate about the definitions and relevance of weight in the context of hydrostatic pressure.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correct interpretation of diagrams and the definitions of terms like weight and force. The discussion highlights the complexity of integrating pressure and weight in fluid mechanics.

  • #31
Mike_bb said:
##F2## is pressure force on surface of inclined plane.
That's consistent with the formula in post #22, but not consistent with the diagram in that post.
 
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  • #32
A.T. said:
That's consistent with the formula in post #22, but not consistent with the diagram in that post.
Yes. My diagram isn't correct.
 

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