Why Does Water Flow at Lower Pressure Than Atmospheric Pressure?

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In summary, the water flow in a cityline is affected by both water pressure and atmospheric pressure. According to the Bernoulli equation, when the velocity is higher, the pressure is lower, and when the potential energy is higher, the pressure is lower. This means that water in a container 12 feet in the air will have a lower pressure than the same amount of water on the ground. However, when water is being pumped at a pressure of 14.7psi, this actually includes atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the water rises up to a sink, it will lose some pressure, but still have over 9 psi due to the remaining 10 psi from the initial 14.7 psi.
  • #1
Idea04
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Homework Statement


I know with flowing water the amount of flow depends on the water pressure and atmospheric pressure surrounding that water.
So I'm wounding why, when water from a cityline is 15psi that rises up the house let's say 12 feet to the sink it will lose a certain amount of pressure, So when it leaves the taps on the sink it would have over 9 psi.
Why does the water flow when the atmospheric pressure is a higher value than the city water.


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Do you know the Bernouli equation? It states that when the velocity is higher, the pressure is lower. It also says that the pressure is lower when the potential energy is higher:
P1 + .5pv1^2 + mgh1 = P2 + .5pv2^2 + mgh2
 
  • #3
So would that mean that if you have a container of water 12 feet in the air, the water has a lower pressure than the same amount of water on the ground. Even if its open to the atmosphere.
 
  • #4
If the water is being pumped at a pressure of 14.7psi, it actually means 14.7psi + atmospheric pressure. All the water feels the atmosphere all around it so it cancels out. The rise of 9 ft is about 9/34 atmospheres which leaves about 10psi of the 14.7.
 

1. Why does water flow at lower pressure than atmospheric pressure?

Water flows at lower pressure than atmospheric pressure due to the effects of gravity. When water is at rest, it is under atmospheric pressure, but as it begins to flow, the force of gravity pulls it downward, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

2. How does gravity affect water pressure and flow?

Gravity plays a crucial role in the movement of water. It pulls water downward, creating a pressure gradient that causes water to flow from areas of higher pressure to lower pressure. This is why water flows at lower pressure than atmospheric pressure.

3. Can water flow uphill if the pressure is lower?

No, water will not flow uphill even if the pressure is lower. This is because the force of gravity is always pulling water downward, and it cannot overcome this force to flow in the opposite direction.

4. Why is atmospheric pressure considered the baseline for water pressure?

Atmospheric pressure is considered the baseline for water pressure because it is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere on the Earth's surface. This pressure is relatively constant and serves as a reference point for measuring other pressures, including water pressure.

5. How does temperature affect water pressure and flow?

Temperature can affect water pressure and flow in a few ways. As water is heated, it expands, and this expansion can increase pressure and cause water to flow more quickly. Conversely, when water is cooled, it contracts, resulting in a decrease in pressure and slower flow. Additionally, changes in temperature can also affect the density of water, which can impact its pressure and flow.

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