# Pressure with Depth; need help understanding Apparatus

1. Jan 25, 2012

This isn't a text book problem, I just need some help understanding this apparatus. I attached a crude sketch...

The canister on the right is open to the air, the column on the left is closed, but the top is filled with air and the bottom is filled with water. the canister has water in it as well. How can you calculate the air pressure in the closed column using this setup? Presume you know the heights and everything...

Pressure variations with depth...

P=P_o+pgh

#### Attached Files:

• ###### pressure.jpg
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Last edited: Jan 25, 2012
2. Jan 26, 2012

### Simon Bridge

The pressure in the closed part has to balance the pressure in the air plus the weight of the column of water.
I suspect it would hep you if you adjusted the system so the water is only in the connecting tube.

3. Jan 29, 2012

Thanks. That helped. I attached another image for the case where the water level in the canister is at a height "h" below the water level in the column. I also labeled the key points A, B, and C... I want to write an equation for the air pressure in the column, $$P_{air}$$ which is closed to the atmosphere...

Basically I think the pressure at B must equal the pressure at C, which should be atmospheric pressure:

$$P_B=P_{atm}$$

I can also write:

$$P_B=P_{air}+ρgh$$

these equations together imply:

$$P_{air}=P_{atm}-ρgh$$

Is this true? The ρ constant is the density of water.

#### Attached Files:

• ###### below water level.jpg
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Last edited: Jan 29, 2012
4. Jan 29, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
You're missing the attachment.

5. Jan 29, 2012

6. Jan 29, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
That looks good -- both the figure & the equations.

Don't forget, by changing the vertical position of the open canister, you will be changing the pressure of the air in the column.

7. Jan 31, 2012

Ok, I have another follow up question, if the water level in the canister is h meters ABOVE the water level in the column, then the air pressure in the tube is:

$$P_{air}=P_{atm}+pgh$$

If it's below, the pressure is:

$$P_{air}=P_{atm}-pgh$$

So it decreases the pressure to lower the canister? So as I lower the canister, it will cause the water level to lower as well?

8. Jan 31, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Yes.

9. Jan 31, 2012

### Simon Bridge

:) also see "constant volume gas thermometer".
It's a standard, and historically important, bit of scientific apparatus.