Simple volume flow rate calculation

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the volume flow rate in a pipe with varying diameters and speeds. The user initially struggles with the formula, believing that combining the areas and speeds might be necessary. It is clarified that the volume flow rate can be calculated using the formula Q = Av for each segment, ensuring that the radius is used instead of diameter. The user realizes a mistake in unit conversion, which led to incorrect answers. Ultimately, consistent application of the formula across all segments should yield the same volume flow rate.
Metalsonic75
Messages
28
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED] Simple volume flow rate calculation

A 1.0-cm-diameter pipe widens to 2.0 cm, then narrows to 0.5 cm. Liquid flows through the first segment at a speed of 4.0m/s. The speed in the second segment is 1m/s, and the speed in the 3rd segment is 16 m/s

I thought that volume flow rate was simply Av, but I've tried many combinations of the 3 cross-sectional areas and 3 speeds with no success. Do I need to add them all up and multiply? Do I need to take averages? Oh, and should I have my units in terms of meters or centimeters? I'm really baffled as to why my answers aren't working, because I know it's a fairly simple problem. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
All three should give the same answer when multiplying the area and the velocity. Check your units and that you're using radius not diameter.
 
Got it. I was off by a factor of 10. Thanks
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K