Pressure at the bottom of a container containing two liquids

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure at the bottom of a container that holds two layers of liquids with different densities. The densities provided are 800 kg/m³ for the upper layer and 13600 kg/m³ for the lower layer. Participants are exploring how to correctly determine the total pressure at the bottom of the container based on these densities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of adding pressures from different liquid layers and question the validity of this approach. There are inquiries about the correctness of calculations and how to improve the solution's presentation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the reasoning behind adding pressures from different layers, emphasizing the balance of forces involved. Others have raised concerns about the precision of the final answer based on significant figures. The conversation reflects a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and refine the solution.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of significant figures in the calculations, suggesting that participants are considering the implications of precision in their answers. Additionally, language barriers are acknowledged, impacting the clarity of communication among participants.

Akash47
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Homework Statement


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(In the attachment)There is two layers of liquids in the container .The density of the upper layer of the container, ##ρ_1=800kg/m^3## and the density of the bottom layer of the container ,##ρ_2=13600kg/m^3## .What is the pressure at the bottom of the container?

Homework Equations


Pressure at height ##h## in a liquid from the surface, ##p=hρg##

The Attempt at a Solution


I have first calculated the pressure at the bottom of the first layer,##p_1=(3*800*9.8)=23520~pa##.Then taking the bottom of the first layer as the surface of the second layer,pressure at the bottom of the second layer,##p_2=(1*13600*9.8)~pa=133280~pa##.So the total pressure at the bottom of the container,##p=p_o+p_1+p_2=(101325+23520+133280)~pa=258125~pa.##Is my solution correct?If yes,then how can I make the solution more better(as I think it's not enough).If my solution is wrong,then tell me what's wrong and give hint for the solution.
 

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Akash47 said:
how can I make the solution more better
Some data you are using is only to two significant figures, so you should claim no greater precision in your answer. I would round it to 258000 Pa, or maybe even 260000.
 
I've made an assumption of adding the pressures at the bottom of different layers of liquids.I am looking for a reasonable logic for that.Is my solution overall correct?
 
Akash47 said:
I've made an assumption of adding the pressures at the bottom of different layers of liquids.I am looking for a reasonable logic for that.Is my solution overall correct?
Yes, of course. It is a simple balance of forces. The normal force from the bottom of the container must balance the sum of the downward forces on the lower liquid: gravity and the normal force from the upper liquid. Likewise for the upper liquid.
 
haruspex said:
Yes, of course. It is a simple balance of forces. The normal force from the bottom of the container must balance the sum of the downward forces on the lower liquid: gravity and the normal force from the upper liquid. Likewise for the upper liquid.
I haven't understand your language properly as I am not fluent in English.Please express your words more easily.
 
Akash47 said:
I haven't understand your language properly as I am not fluent in English.Please express your words more easily.
Consider the two volumes of liquid as objects with forces operating on them.
The upper volume has the force Fa of the atmosphere pressing down on top, a normal force Fm pushing up from the lower volume, and gravity Fgu. These three forces are in balance, so Fm=Fa+Fgu.
The lower volume likewise has three forces, Fb=Fm+Fgl, where Fb is the normal force from the bottom of the tube and Fgl is the force of gravity on the lower volume.
Combining these we have Fb=Fa+Fgu+Fgl.
So the pressures add up as you assumed.
 
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Thankss...:biggrin:
 

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