Pressure, force, and Area: Calculating the net Force Applied on A dam by Water

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the net force exerted by water on a dam, the formula Fnet = P*A can be applied, where pressure P is defined by hydrostatic pressure as p = p0 + pgd. The net force can be expressed as Fnet = pgd*w*d, where w is the width of the dam and d is the water depth. It is noted that atmospheric pressure p0 cancels out since it affects both the water and the dam equally. The discussion also raises a question about whether pressure remains constant at different depths, indicating the need for careful consideration of pressure variations. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately determining the forces acting on a dam.
Beginner@Phys
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Homework Statement


Water stands at depth d behind a dam of width w . Find an expression for the net force of the water on the dam. Express your answer in terms of the variables w,d,p (density), and appropriate constants.


Homework Equations


P=F/A or pressure=Force/Area
Hydrostatic pressure: p=p_0+pgd


The Attempt at a Solution


Fnet=P*A=(pgd)*A =pgd*w*d

I guess that p_0 cancels out, because atmospheric pressure is felt both by the dam and the water. Does this make sense?
 
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Beginner@Phys said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Fnet=P*A=(pgd)*A =pgd*w*d
Careful. Is the pressure the same at every depth?

I guess that p_0 cancels out, because atmospheric pressure is felt both by the dam and the water. Does this make sense?
That part makes sense.
 
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