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Hydrostatic Pressure Equation:
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Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity. It increases in proportion to depth measured from the surface because of the increasing weight of fluid exerting downward force from above.
The calculator uses the hydrostatic pressure equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the pressure at a certain depth in a fluid, accounting for the fluid's density and the local gravitational acceleration.
Details: Accurate pressure calculation is crucial for engineering applications, hydraulic systems, scuba diving, and understanding fluid behavior in various containers and natural bodies of water.
Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³ (1000 for water), gravitational acceleration in m/s² (9.81 for Earth), and height/depth in meters. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is there a conversion factor of 6894.76?
A: This factor converts from pascals (the SI unit of pressure) to pounds per square inch (psi), since 1 psi = 6894.76 pascals.
Q2: Does this work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the equation works for any fluid, but you must use the correct density value for that specific fluid.
Q3: What is typical water pressure at different depths?
A: For fresh water, pressure increases by approximately 0.433 psi per foot of depth, or 1.42 psi per meter of depth.
Q4: How does salinity affect water pressure calculations?
A: Saltwater has a higher density (approximately 1025 kg/m³) than freshwater, which results in slightly higher pressure at the same depth.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for atmospheric pressure?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for hydrostatic pressure in liquids. Atmospheric pressure follows different physical principles.