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Ch 12: Fluid Mechanics
Chapter 12, Problem 12

A closed container is partially filled with water. Initially, the air above the water is at atmospheric pressure (1.01×10^5 Pa) and the gauge pressure at the bottom of the water is 2500 Pa. Then additional air is pumped in, increasing the pressure of the air above the water by 1500 Pa. (a) What is the gauge pressure at the bottom of the water?

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1
Identify the initial conditions: The initial atmospheric pressure above the water is 1.01×10^5 Pa, and the initial gauge pressure at the bottom of the water is 2500 Pa.
Understand the change in the system: Additional air is pumped into the container, increasing the pressure of the air above the water by 1500 Pa.
Calculate the new total pressure above the water: Add the increase in pressure (1500 Pa) to the initial atmospheric pressure (1.01×10^5 Pa).
Recognize that the gauge pressure at the bottom of the water is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure due to the water column and the increased air pressure above the water.
Calculate the new gauge pressure at the bottom of the water: Add the initial gauge pressure (2500 Pa) to the increase in air pressure (1500 Pa).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Gauge Pressure

Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. It is measured using a gauge that does not account for atmospheric pressure, thus it can be positive or negative depending on whether the pressure is above or below atmospheric levels. In this scenario, the gauge pressure at the bottom of the water is influenced by both the water column and the additional air pressure.
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Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity. It increases with depth in a fluid and is calculated using the formula P = ρgh, where ρ is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the fluid column. In this case, the hydrostatic pressure from the water contributes to the total pressure at the bottom of the container.
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Pressure Addition

When additional air is pumped into the container, the pressure above the water increases, which in turn affects the gauge pressure at the bottom. The total pressure at the bottom is the sum of the hydrostatic pressure from the water and the increased air pressure. Understanding how pressures combine is crucial for calculating the new gauge pressure after the air is added.
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Related Practice
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