- Hydrostatic pressure characteristics
- What is a fluid?
- Difference between liquids and gases
- Archimedes' principle and hydrostatic pressure
- References
The hydrostatic pressure is that generated by a fluid at rest, to contrast the pressure of a fluid in motion, called hydrodynamic pressure.
It is a very important property in the world, since a large part of the earth is made up of matter in a liquid state.
This pressure exists due to the weight of a fluid at rest. Any fluid located in a container generates pressure on the bottom and the edges that contain it.
Hydrostatic pressure characteristics
This pressure is the one that is generated inside all mass or matter in a liquid state caused by the weight of the liquid in a submerged body.
One way of expressing said pressure in a formula is evaluating the pressure of the liquid on the submerged body, at a specific height of the fluid.
The hydrostatic pressure of a fluid in its container causes a force perpendicular to the edges or walls of said container, regardless of the direction in which it is directed.
This pressure will depend on the density and height of the fluid or liquid with reference to the point at which it is being measured.
What is a fluid?
A critical component in hydrostatic pressure measurement is fluid. The fluid can be defined as a substance with the ability to flow or run.
It can be divided into liquids or gases, which differ by their density. Density is calculated by dividing the value of the mass of a body by the volume that the body occupies.
Difference between liquids and gases
It is important to emphasize that gases normally tend to occupy the entire volume of the container in which they are found, while liquids conform to the container but do not cover its entire volume.
Also, gases are easier to calculate, since it is known that their volume and density vary depending on the pressure at which they are found.
On the other hand, liquids are not very comprehensible, since their volume and density is constant at a certain temperature.
Archimedes' principle and hydrostatic pressure
Archimedes of Syracuse was a Greek mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and inventor considered one of the greatest scientists in classical history.
He is world renowned for having designed innovative machines such as the Archimedean screw and siege weapons. As far as the world of physics is concerned, Archimedes focused his studies on hydrostatics.
Archimedes' principle, also known as the hydrostatic law, states that "a body totally or partially submerged in a fluid at rest experiences a vertical and upward thrust equal to the mass weight of the volume of the fluid it displaces."
This means that any body that is totally or partially submerged in a static fluid will feel pressed with a force similar to the weight of the volume of the fluid already displaced by the same body.
As far as hydrostatic pressure is concerned, it can be said that at a certain depth, said pressure will be equal to the product of the density of the fluid due to gravitational acceleration.
References
- Archimedes' principle. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Fluid. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Dictionary: dictionary.com
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Oilfield Glossary: glossary.oilfield.slb.com
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Sensors One: sensorsone.com
- Hydrostatics. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- What is Hydrostatic Pressure: Fluid Pressure and Depth. Retrieved on December 16, 2017, from the Math and Science Activity Center: edinformatics.com