Choosing Reference Points in Bernoulli's Equation for Fluid Flow

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Choosing reference points in Bernoulli's equation can be tricky, especially when determining fluid velocity from a pipe. In the discussed scenario, the reference point can be placed either just outside or just inside the pipe opening, yielding the same velocity result. The key misunderstanding lies in assuming that the pressure inside the pipe just at the opening is equal to atmospheric pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure, which is incorrect since the system is not in static equilibrium. Thus, the velocity just inside the opening matches that just outside, confirming the continuity equation holds. Properly selecting reference points is crucial for accurate fluid flow calculations.
Alettix
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Hello!
I have encountered some trouble with choosing the right reference points when using Bernoulli's equation and I would be glad if you could help me sort it out with this made up example. :)

1. Homework Statement

There is a large, open, cylindrical water tank with a cross section area of ## A_1 = 2 m^2 ##. 1 meter down the water surface (## \Delta h = 1 m##) is a small pipe with cross section ## A_2 = 0.0003 m^2##. Determine the speed of the water flowing from the pipe.

Homework Equations


Bernoulli's equation: ## \frac{p_1}{\rho} + gh_1 + v_1^2/2 = \frac{p_2}{\rho} + gh_2 + v_2^2/2 ## (1)
Continuity equation: ##A_av_a =A_bv_b## (2)

The Attempt at a Solution


We can assume that the flow is laminar, the fluid incompressible and the viscosity very small, therefor we can apply Eq.(1). We choose to place reference point 1 at the surface of the water in the tank, and point 2 at the small pipes opening. Because ##A_1>>A_2## we can assume ## v_1 \approx 0##. We set ##h_2 = 0## and therefore ##h_1 = 1 ##. We do also know that ## p_1 = p_0##, where ##p_0## is the atmospheric pressure.
Solving for ##v_2## we have:
## v_2 = \sqrt{\frac{2(p_0-p_2)}{\rho} + 2g\Delta h} ## (3)

Now to my question: Where exactly should I put reference point number 2? If I put it just outside the opening of the smal pipe we have ##p_2=p_0## and consequently ##v_2 =\sqrt{2g\Delta h}##. However, if I put the point just inside the opening the pressure will be: ##p_2 = p_0 + \rho g\Delta h## which yields ##v_2 = 0##.

I think something here must be wrong. It isn't reasonable that the water just inside the small opening should be completely still, but outside it flow with a speed as large as in case of free fall. This result seem especially crazy if we consider that the continuity equation must hold in the small pipe. So where is the fault in my reasoning? Should point 2 be placed just outside or inside the opening of the pipe? Why?

Thank you for your help!PS: I really wanted to draw a figure, but there is something very wrong with paint on my computer right now.
 
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Either point is OK, and both points give the same answer. Just inside the opening, the velocity is also equal to the velocity just outside, and the pressure is equal to the pressure just outside. Your mistake is assuming that ##p_2 = p_0 + \rho g\Delta h## just inside the opening. The system is not in static equilibrium, so this equation cannot be applied.

Chet
 
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Chestermiller said:
Either point is OK, and both points give the same answer. Just inside the opening, the velocity is also equal to the velocity just outside, and the pressure is equal to the pressure just outside. Your mistake is assuming that ##p_2 = p_0 + \rho g\Delta h## just inside the opening. The system is not in static equilibrium, so this equation cannot be applied.

Chet

Thank you very much Sir! This really clarified it!
 
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?

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