Pressure at a certain depth when density varies

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating pressure at a certain depth in a fluid where the density varies with depth. The original poster attempts to apply the hydrostatic pressure equation and considers the implications of varying density on pressure calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of summing pressure contributions from thin layers of fluid. The original poster questions the mathematical formulation for integrating the varying density with respect to depth.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the integration approach, emphasizing the need to relate depth to the integration variable and consider the direction of integration. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct mathematical formulation without a clear consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided a specific density function and noted a discrepancy in their calculated pressure. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct setup of the integral and the treatment of variables involved.

pressurised
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


dp/dz=-ρg
p=ρgh

The Attempt at a Solution


I've found the density at depth 3m using ρ=ρ0+kh, which gave me 1060kgm-3. I then put this value into ρgh to get 31195.8Pa which seems to be ≈+1000 off the answer.

What is the correct mathematical way of solving this as I am not quite sure how to form the equation for variation of pressure using that.
 
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Think of summing the pressure contributions from thin layers stacked one on top of the next from the surface down to the desired depth. Does that remind you of anything?
 
gneill said:
Think of summing the pressure contributions from thin layers stacked one on top of the next from the surface down to the desired depth. Does that remind you of anything?

I can't quite think of the name of it but I understand what you mean:sorry:.

I would have thought ∫-(ρ0+kh)g dz would have been okay to use?
 
pressurised said:
I would have thought ∫-(ρ0+kh)g dz would have been okay to use?
That's the idea. You'll need to relate the h to your integration variable z. You should pay attention to the "direction" that your integration path takes as it affects the sign of the dz differential element and hence whether that leading minus sign is warranted.
 
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gneill said:
That's the idea. You'll need to relate the h to your integration variable z. You should pay attention to the "direction" that your integration path takes as it affects the sign of the dz differential element and hence whether that leading minus sign is warranted.

Thank you!
 

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