Sinking Can Boat: Debating the Rate of Water Flow

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of water flow through a hole in a can, representing a sinking boat. Participants debate whether the speed of water exiting the hole remains constant or increases as the pressure changes with the boat's sinking. The consensus is that while pressure increases, the flow rate through the hole is determined by the orifice equation, which indicates a constant flow rate under steady conditions. Calculating the pressure with a plug in the can provides further insights into the dynamics of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with the orifice equation
  • Basic knowledge of pressure and buoyancy concepts
  • Ability to perform pressure calculations in fluid systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the orifice equation and its applications in fluid mechanics
  • Explore concepts of hydrostatic pressure and its effects on fluid flow
  • Learn about buoyancy and stability in floating objects
  • Investigate real-world applications of fluid dynamics in engineering
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Students of physics, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding fluid dynamics and the behavior of objects in water.

tosse
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Assume you have a can (representing a boat) with a hole in the bottom floating in a tank filled with water. The "boat" will start to sink.

Now to my question..
My teacher told me that the speed of which water is runnig through the hole of the can is constant. But i can't seem to understand that, since (i think) the speed depends on the pressure which constantly increases as the boat is sinking - wouldn't that mean the speed increases aswell!??
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi tosse! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Couldn't you argue that the more water in the boat, the less is the difference in pressure?

Test it by calculating what the pressure is if you put a plug in (to keep the boat afloat) when the water inside the boat is height h above the bottom :wink:
 

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