Will a Bigger Tank Increase Water Force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a larger tank will produce a greater distance of water flow when taps are opened at the bottom of tanks of different diameters but equal heights. The scope includes theoretical considerations of fluid dynamics and pressure calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that if the pressures at the bottom of both tanks are the same, the distance the water shoots out will also be the same.
  • Others argue that a larger tank could potentially shoot water further due to the larger volume and area, although this requires calculation to confirm.
  • One participant emphasizes that pressure in a tank is dependent only on the depth of the water, not the size or shape of the tank.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of water adhesion in smaller containers, with some participants asserting that it may affect the flow in smaller tanks.
  • Another participant mentions Torricelli's Law as a potential reference for understanding the flow dynamics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of tank size on water flow distance, with no consensus reached on the significance of adhesion or the necessity of calculations to determine outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include assumptions about pressure dependence on depth and the potential effects of adhesion in smaller tanks, which remain unresolved.

gerrywelshman
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Hi All,
If I have a tank 1meter dia 5metres height and a tank 200mm dia (1/5 size ) 5metres high
and I have a horizontal tap at the bottom of each. when I open the taps will I get more distance
of water from the bigger tank.
 
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Have you tried figuring out the pressure? (Force/ unit area) If the pressures are the same, then you will get the same, if one is larger, it will shoot the water further out of the tap.
 
Hi BiGyElLoWhAt, (some handle that)
I have been interested in a design feature.
Thanks for clarifying a discussion I've had lately .
I had been told the water would shoot out the same distance.
 
That very well may be, but I wouldn't be so sure without making the calculation. If you look at a cross section of the water, then the pressure on the water below it would be the weight of the water above that cross section divided by the area (pi*r^2).

If you're looking at something of the order of 200mm diameter, then the adhesive properties of water would become non-negligible, in my opinion.
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
Have you tried figuring out the pressure? (Force/ unit area) If the pressures are the same, then you will get the same, if one is larger, it will shoot the water further out of the tap.
That's a helpful answer.

BiGyElLoWhAt said:
If you look at a cross section of the water, then the pressure on the water below it would be the weight of the water above that cross section divided by the area (pi*r^2).
And that's not. Pressure in a tank is only dependent on depth, not the size or shape of the tank.

BiGyElLoWhAt said:
If you're looking at something of the order of 200mm diameter, then the adhesive properties of water would become non-negligible, in my opinion.
And that's just irrelevant.

Perhaps the best answer is: look up Torricelli's Law.
 
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MrAnchovy said:
...Pressure in a tank is only dependent on depth, not the size or shape of the tank...
I understand that the cross section divides out from the volume, giving a depth dependent function. My purpose was to get the OP to do the calculation and figure it out. Good Job.
 
Also, adhesion is not irrelevant for small enough containers.
 
BiGyElLoWhAt said:
Also, adhesion is not irrelevant for small enough containers.
That's an 8-inch diameter cylinder. Water adhesion might be relevant to the OP's education, but surely not to this application.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
That's an 8-inch diameter cylinder. Water adhesion might be relevant to the OP's education, but surely not to this application.
Very true. Not sure how I grossly underestimated that, but...
 

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