Volume Compression in Cylinders: Does Diameter Affect Rate of Loss?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between cylinder diameter and volume loss during compression. Two cylinders with identical volume capacities but different radii were analyzed under the application of the same force on their plungers. It was concluded that the cylinder with the larger diameter compresses less than the smaller diameter cylinder when the same force is applied, contradicting the initial assumption that both would yield the same final volume of compressed air.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, specifically force and pressure.
  • Familiarity with the concept of volume in cylindrical shapes.
  • Knowledge of how pistons operate in a cylinder.
  • Basic grasp of the ideal gas law and its implications on volume changes.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between force, pressure, and area in fluid mechanics.
  • Study the principles of gas compression and the ideal gas law.
  • Explore the mechanics of pistons and their applications in various engineering fields.
  • Investigate the effects of different cylinder geometries on compression efficiency.
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Students in physics or engineering, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of fluid dynamics and gas compression.

Timothy Schablin
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Say we have 2 cylinders with the same volume capacities, but different radii, and a plunger to 'squeeze' the contents. We apply the same force to each plunger. Will the cylinder with the larger radii lose volume faster? Or will they be equal?
 
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Timothy Schablin said:
Say we have 2 cylinders with the same volume capacities, but different radii, and a plunger to 'squeeze' the contents. We apply the same force to each plunger. Will the cylinder with the larger radii lose volume faster? Or will they be equal?
How are force, pressure and area related for a piston in a cylinder?
 
A question on a test that i got wrong.

If you exert a force of 25 on a plunger of a cylinder containing air with an initial volume of 7, then exert the same force on the plunger of a smaller diameter cylinder, but with same volume of air, the cylinder with the larger diameter will compress less.

I disagreed with that statement, therefore got it wrong. I claimed the final volume of compressed air would be the same in each cylinder.

Oh well. More studying to do i guess...
 

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