Why Does Water Flow at Lower Pressure Than Atmospheric Pressure?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of water flow in relation to pressure differences, specifically comparing city water pressure and atmospheric pressure. The original poster questions why water can flow from a tap when the pressure in the city line is lower than atmospheric pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the Bernoulli equation and its implications for pressure and velocity in flowing fluids. Questions are raised about the relationship between height and pressure in open containers, as well as the effects of atmospheric pressure on water flow.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of pressure dynamics and the effects of elevation on water pressure. Some guidance regarding the Bernoulli equation has been introduced, but no consensus has been reached on the implications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of height on pressure and the role of atmospheric pressure in the context of water flow from taps. There is an acknowledgment of the complexities involved in understanding these relationships.

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Homework Statement


I know with flowing water the amount of flow depends on the water pressure and atmospheric pressure surrounding that water.
So I'm wounding why, when water from a cityline is 15psi that rises up the house let's say 12 feet to the sink it will lose a certain amount of pressure, So when it leaves the taps on the sink it would have over 9 psi.
Why does the water flow when the atmospheric pressure is a higher value than the city water.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Do you know the Bernouli equation? It states that when the velocity is higher, the pressure is lower. It also says that the pressure is lower when the potential energy is higher:
P1 + .5pv1^2 + mgh1 = P2 + .5pv2^2 + mgh2
 
So would that mean that if you have a container of water 12 feet in the air, the water has a lower pressure than the same amount of water on the ground. Even if its open to the atmosphere.
 
If the water is being pumped at a pressure of 14.7psi, it actually means 14.7psi + atmospheric pressure. All the water feels the atmosphere all around it so it cancels out. The rise of 9 ft is about 9/34 atmospheres which leaves about 10psi of the 14.7.
 

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