[Thermodynamics (More like fluid actually)], Calculating absolute pressure

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a fluid mechanics problem involving absolute pressure and the relationship between different fluid columns. Key points include the application of the equation F1/A1 = F2/A2 and the pressure formula, Pressure = Density * Height * Gravity. Participants highlight that air pressure changes affect the liquid columns, while the pressure in the brine pipe remains constant. The relationship between the heights of mercury in two different areas is established, emphasizing that the volume of mercury remains constant despite changes in elevation. Understanding the static head and the specific gravity of the fluids involved is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/771/fluidcm5.jpg

Homework Equations


F1/A1 = F2/A2

Pressure = Density * Height * Gravity


The Attempt at a Solution


I do not have a clue of how to solve this problem.

Can anyone start me off and provide me couple of hints?
 
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To solve this problem, think about what changes.

The air pressure decreases, so the force/pressure on the liquid columns changes. The pressure in the brine pipe does not change, and the pressure due to the water between the air and the mercury does not change. The levels of mercury do change, but the volume of mercury does not (one can assume it is incompressible).

The static head due to the mercury changes, because the elevations of the interfaces change.

Since the volume of mercury does not change, the change in mercury volume in pipe A2 must equal the change in volume in the tank A1, so one has

V2 = V1 or A2h2 = A1h1, so one has a relationship between h2 and h1 in terms of the areas.

Now, one needs a second equation, which comes from the head, H.

H = h2 + h1 for the mercury.

The static head is simply the pressure due to a height, z, of liquid and is given by \rhogz, where \rho is the fluid density (which is related to s.g.) and g is the acceleration of gravity.

Also think about the water (s.g. =1)/brine (s.g.=1.1) displacement as well. What is the effect of that compared to the mercury.
 
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