Solving Part A & B of a Frictionless Piston Problem

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a piston in a large and small tube filled with water. The piston is connected to a mass and is moving at a certain speed. The goal is to find the flow speed of water at the end of the small tube and the height of the piston from the center of the small tube. The formula 1/2mv^2=mgh is mentioned and the poster is seeking guidance on which equations to use to solve the problem.
  • #1
PhilCam
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Homework Statement



A piston can move without friction inside a large tube of .002m^2 of cross sectional area. The weight of the piston is negligible. A mass of kg sits on top of the piston as shown in the figure below. The large tube is connected to a horizontal smaller tube which has 4 x 10^-6 m^2 of cross sectional area. the end of the small tube is open to atmosphere. the piston is moving down at a speed of v = .02 m/s. both of the tubes are filled by water and the density of water is 1000 kg/m^3. Assume frictions and the viscosity of water to be negligible.

A) Find the flow speed of water at the end of the small tube as the water exits to the atmosphere.

We went through a very similar example in class, where the professor used the formula 1/2mv^2=mgh to solve the problem.

However, on this problem the height is not given and I was unsure how to continue to solve the problem.

B) Find the height of the piston from the center of the small tube.

Well if I could figure out part A, I could put velocity into the equation 1/2mv^2=mgh and solve for h.If anyone could guide me towards what equations to use, that would be awesome.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Anyone?
 
  • #3
Patience, young Skywalker.
 
  • #4
Bump!
 
  • #5
Nothing?
 

1. What is a frictionless piston problem?

A frictionless piston problem is a type of physics problem that involves calculating the movement of a piston without the presence of friction. This means that the piston can move freely without any resistance, allowing for simpler calculations and more idealized scenarios.

2. How do you solve Part A and B of a frictionless piston problem?

To solve Part A and B of a frictionless piston problem, you will need to use the ideal gas law, which relates pressure, volume, and temperature. You will also need to apply Newton's laws of motion and the concept of work and energy. It is important to carefully identify the given variables and use the appropriate equations to solve for the unknowns.

3. What are some common mistakes when solving a frictionless piston problem?

Some common mistakes when solving a frictionless piston problem include forgetting to convert units, using incorrect equations, and not considering all factors such as temperature and number of moles. It is important to carefully read the problem and double check your calculations to avoid these errors.

4. Can a frictionless piston problem be solved without using the ideal gas law?

It is possible to solve a frictionless piston problem without using the ideal gas law, but it may require more complex equations and assumptions. The ideal gas law is often used because it simplifies the problem and allows for more straightforward calculations.

5. How does adding friction affect the solution of a piston problem?

Adding friction to a piston problem can greatly affect the solution, as it introduces a resisting force that must be accounted for in the calculations. This can make the problem more complex and may require the use of additional equations or assumptions. Friction can also affect the accuracy of the solution, as it is difficult to precisely quantify in real-world scenarios.

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