What is the Measurement of Water Column Pressure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of water column pressure and its measurement, specifically in the context of a test question. Participants explore the definitions related to pressure, head of water, and density, while seeking clarity on how these terms relate to the measurement of pressure exerted by a water column.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the term "head of water" is relevant to the measurement of pressure exerted by a water column, particularly in the context of pumps and hydroelectric generators.
  • Others question the clarity of the original question and express confusion about how it fits into the provided options, prompting a discussion about the terminology used.
  • One participant describes "head of water" as the height of water in a tube connected to a pump, or the maximum height at which the pump's flow rate becomes zero.
  • There are comments regarding the use of the verb "write" in the context of taking a test, with some participants speculating about language differences affecting the phrasing of the original question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of the original question and its relation to the terms presented. While some agree on the relevance of "head of water," others remain uncertain about the question's intent and its connection to the options given.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the definitions and relationships between pressure, head of water, and density, as well as the interpretation of the original question. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and potential language barriers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals studying fluid mechanics, engineering principles related to pumps, or those exploring terminology in physics and mathematics.

nickberg
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First of all, this is not a homework question. This was a question on a test I wrote on friday for which I cannot find the information in any texts.

The following: "pressure exerted by a water column measured in feet of water or occasionally inches of water" is a good definition of:

1)pressure
2)head of water
3)density


I know that the measurement is something typical of a manometer, but I can't see how it would fit in any of the options above. Your opinions please.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi nickberg! Welcome to PF! :smile:

What is "head of water"? :smile:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi nickberg! Welcome to PF! :smile:

What is "head of water"? :smile:

It's one of the specifications of a water pump. As I recall, it's either:

1. The height of the water in a tube connected to the pump's output, or
2. The maximum height this water can have, at which the pump's flowrate becomes zero.

A pump provides maximum flow at zero head. But in many situations (such as basement sump pumps), the water is pumped out through a tube which rises above the pump. That water produces a back-pressure on the pump, reducing the water's flow rate. Let the water rise high enough, and the back-pressure reduces the flow to zero. The maximum head should be enough to pump water from the basement floor to above ground level.

For example:
http://www.plumberscrib.com/Products/LIBERTY-Condensate-Pump-15-Head__LCU15.aspx

edit added:
I don't understand what is being asked in post #1. nickberg, you say you wrote the question but do not understand how the question fits any of the options. Since you are the question author, why can't you come up with an answer that makes sense to you? What am I missing here?
 
Last edited by a moderator:


Redbelly98 said:
It's one of the specifications of a water pump. …

What?? :smile:

(why are you answering anyway? how does that help the OP? :confused:)

nickberg, what's "head of water"? :smile:
 


I believe the answer to the original question is a head of water. This terminology is often used in the context of both pumps and hydroelectric generators to refer to the height/pressure difference of the water between the two reservoirs. It is useful, for example, to be able to say that certain kinds of turbines are more efficient for high head situations and others are better for low head.

Redbelly98 said:
I don't understand what is being asked in post #1. nickberg, you say you wrote the question but do not understand how the question fits any of the options. Since you are the question author, why can't you come up with an answer that makes sense to you? What am I missing here?

I'm guessing maybe English is not his first language (am I right?) and he meant to say a test he took. Since you write down answers when you take a test, native speakers of other languages might possibly use the verb "write" to make "take". Maybe.
 


Xezlec said:
Since you write down answers when you take a test, native speakers of other languages might possibly use the verb "write" to make "take". Maybe.

Yeah, other languages like British English. :smile:
 


jtbell said:
Yeah, other languages like British English. :smile:

Oh, sorry, I didn't know that. Well at least I was right about what it meant.
 
That would be good old standard english. I'm Canadian and here you can "take" a test or "write" a test. They are interchangeable. Just like Americans say "zeee" and we say "zed", it still means the same thing. Thanks for the answers guys, it makes sense
 


jtbell said:
Yeah, other languages like British English. :smile:

Wow, just when I thought I understood that language. :smile:
 

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