Why is the pressure different at points X and Y?

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SUMMARY

The pressure at points X and Y differs due to the presence of different liquids, specifically oil and water, which have varying densities. The fundamental equation governing this phenomenon is P = pgh, where P represents pressure, p is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the liquid column. Points C and D exhibit equal pressure because they are located at the same horizontal level within the same fluid. Understanding these principles is essential for accurately calculating pressure in fluid mechanics.

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  • Fluid mechanics fundamentals
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  • Knowledge of liquid density variations
  • Concept of hydrostatic pressure in different fluids
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Homework Statement


a)Consider the vessel in the figure shown. It contains a liquid of density p. Calculate the pressure, and give the direction of the force on the container due to the liquid, acting at each of the following points.

b) Consider the second figure shown. Why is the pressure the same at point C and D?
Why is the pressure at point X and Y different?

Homework Equations


P=pgh

The Attempt at a Solution


a) I'm not sure what the pressure is at point B. Sometimes I think the pressure is 0 but sometimes I think the pressure is P=pg(h1-h2) because the pressure is the same at all points on a horizontal plane.

b) The pressure at C and D is the same because they're at the same horizontal level.
The pressure at X and Y is different because they lie in different liquids (oil and water) so the density is different therefore the pressure is different?
 

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Taniaz said:
but sometimes I think the pressure is P=pg(h1-h2) because the pressure is the same at all points on a horizontal plane.
Sometimes you are correct. ;)

Taniaz said:
The pressure at X and Y is different because they lie in different liquids (oil and water) so the density is different therefore the pressure is different?
Correct.

In the same fluid at the same height, the pressure must be the same.
 
Thank you! :smile:
 

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