Would a longer lever require less force to hand pump water? (PHOTO)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of levers and their application in hand-pumping water. Participants explore the relationship between lever length, force required, and the amount of water lifted.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the principle of levers and question how lever length affects the force needed to pump water. Some consider the trade-off between the ease of motion and the effectiveness of water lifted.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on the mechanics involved. There is an exploration of different scenarios regarding the effectiveness of longer levers and the implications for work done in pumping water.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering assumptions about the relationship between lever length, force, and the volume of water pumped, while also noting that the total work done is related to the amount of water raised rather than just the force applied.

RipleyGallegos
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Homework Statement
If I had a longer lever for my pump would it be easier to pump water up?
Relevant Equations
N/a
I think that it would take less force to pump water based on the lever principle. But I'm not so sure! Here's a drawn photo.
 

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A longer lever will make each pumping motion (1) easier to do and (2) less effective in the amount of water it will bring up.

SO ... you make it a bit less stressful per motion but have to make more motions.

Bottom line is that the amount of work is based on the amount of water that comes up, not on how hard/easy anyone motion is.
 
I see thank you!.
But what if the longer lever lifted the same amount of water as the shorter lever? I'd assume it would pump the same amount as water but it took less force yet I would have to pull the lever a longer distance compared the shorter lever. Does that sound right?
 
RipleyGallegos said:
I see thank you!.
But what if the longer lever lifted the same amount of water as the shorter lever? I'd assume it would pump the same amount as water but it took less force yet I would have to pull the lever a longer distance compared the shorter lever. Does that sound right?
yes. You cannot get around the amount of work NOT depending on the pump but on the amount of water raised.
 

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