Understanding Pressure in Liquids: The Role of Electromagnetic Forces

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the origins of pressure in liquids and gases, emphasizing the role of electromagnetic forces at the microscopic level. It highlights that Van der Waals forces are significant contributors to the repulsion and outward pressure experienced when molecules are compressed. Additionally, it notes that most atoms in gases and liquids are neutral, suggesting that pressure can exist independently of electromagnetic origins, as evidenced by neutrinos, which exert pressure despite lacking electric charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Van der Waals forces
  • Basic knowledge of atomic structure and neutrality
  • Familiarity with the concept of pressure in fluids
  • Awareness of particle physics, particularly neutrinos
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Van der Waals forces in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the concept of pressure in non-electromagnetic systems
  • Study the behavior of neutrinos and their role in pressure dynamics
  • Investigate systems that exhibit zero pressure and their characteristics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of pressure in liquids and gases.

Delta2
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What causes the pressure in Liquids(or gases)? Is it deep down of electromagnetic nature? By that i don't mean that there are macroscopic electromagnetic fields from a liquid under pressure but at the microscopic level the pressure is caused by electromagnetic force between the atoms/molecules of the liquid and of the surrounding media.
 
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force" probably account for the majority of the repulsion (& thus outward pressure) when molecules are forced together.
 
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Your question is quite interesting.

One direction to proceed to understand what systems have zero pressure?

Another point to note - apropos Jack's comment - is that most atoms in a gas/liquid are neutral. So it can't really be electromagnetic in origin. If you have a gas of neutrinos - which don't have any electric charge at all - they will still have pressure.

Hope this spurs you on a bit.
 

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