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Water Pressure Equation:
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The water pressure equation (P = ρ × g × h) calculates the pressure exerted by a column of fluid due to gravity. It's fundamental in fluid mechanics and hydrostatics, showing that pressure depends only on fluid density and height, not container shape or width.
The calculator uses the hydrostatic pressure equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that pressure at the bottom of a fluid column depends only on the fluid's density, gravitational acceleration, and height of the column - not on the total volume or shape of the container.
Details: Understanding water pressure is crucial for designing dams, water towers, plumbing systems, and hydraulic equipment. It's also essential in scuba diving, marine engineering, and many industrial processes.
Tips: Enter fluid density (1000 kg/m³ for water), gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth), and height of fluid column. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why doesn't width affect the pressure?
A: Pressure depends on height (depth) because each fluid layer must support the weight above it. Width affects total force but not pressure at a given depth.
Q2: What are typical water pressure values?
A: In homes, water pressure is typically 300-600 kPa (3-6 bar). Each 10m of water height creates about 98.1 kPa (0.981 bar) of pressure.
Q3: Does this work for other fluids?
A: Yes, use the appropriate density. For seawater (≈1025 kg/m³), oil (≈800-900 kg/m³), etc.
Q4: How does gravity affect the result?
A: On the Moon (g≈1.62 m/s²), pressure would be about 1/6 of Earth's for the same fluid height.
Q5: What about atmospheric pressure?
A: This calculates gauge pressure. For absolute pressure, add atmospheric pressure (≈101.325 kPa at sea level).