1.8. Pressure variation with location

Try these first

1. 1.

   What happens to pressure as you go deeper into a liquid?

   Hint

   Think about the weight of water above.

2. 2.

   In fluid statics, what type of stress is present?

   Hint

   What happens when fluids are at rest?

3. 3.

   What happens to pressure as you increase your depth in a fluid?

   • Increases
   • Decreases
   • Remains constant

   Hint

   Think about what is pressing down as you go deeper.

4. 4.

   True or False: Pressure in a fluid at rest varies with direction.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the concept of pressure acting perpendicularly.

5. 5.

   Calculate the pressure at a depth of 50 meters in seawater, given that the density of seawater is approximately 1025 kg/m³. Assume gravitational acceleration is 9.81 m/s².

   Hint

   Don’t forget to check the units for consistency.

6. 6.

   A dam needs to hold back water at a depth of 30 meters. If the density of the water is 1000 kg/m³, how thick should the base of the dam be to withstand the pressure without structural failure, if the maximum stress allowed in the material is 5 MPa?

   Hint

   Always factor in safety and material properties around pressure; thickness design may involve more calculations.