Math Problem Statement

The inverted U-tube manometer shown below is used for measuring pressure differences in liquids. The manometer contains two fluids, with one fluid having a specific gravity of 13 (SG1 = 13). Given that PA - PD = 32 kPa, determine the specific gravity of the second fluid. Assume the atmospheric pressure is 100 kPa, acceleration due to gravity g=9.8 m/s2, and the density of water is 1000 kg/m3. (35 marks: 10 marks for the correct answer and 25 marks for showing the correct working)

The inverted U-tube manometer shown below is used for measuring pressure differences in liquids. The manometer contains two fluids, with one fluid having a specific gravity of 13 (SG1 = 13). Given that PA - PD = 32 kPa, determine the specific gravity of the second fluid. Assume the atmospheric pressure is 100 kPa, acceleration due to gravity g=9.8 m/s2, and the density of water is 1000 kg/m3. (35 marks: 10 marks for the correct answer and 25 marks for showing the correct working).

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to determine the specific gravity (SG2) of the second fluid using the information provided in the problem and the diagram.

Given:

  • Specific gravity of the first fluid, SG1=13SG_1 = 13.
  • Pressure difference, PAPD=32P_A - P_D = 32 kPa.
  • Atmospheric pressure, Patm=100P_{\text{atm}} = 100 kPa.
  • Acceleration due to gravity, g=9.8g = 9.8 m/s².
  • Density of water, ρwater=1000\rho_{\text{water}} = 1000 kg/m³.

Assumptions:

  • The fluids are incompressible.
  • Hydrostatic pressure equation is applicable.

Step 1: Understand the relationship between pressure and specific gravity.

Specific gravity (SG) is defined as the ratio of the density of the fluid to the density of water. Mathematically: SG=ρρwaterSG = \frac{\rho}{\rho_{\text{water}}} where ρ\rho is the density of the fluid.

For the manometer, the pressure difference is determined by the height difference of the fluids and their densities.

Step 2: Write the pressure equation for the U-tube.

Considering that pressure difference between points A and D is due to the height of fluid columns in the manometer: PA=Patm+ρ1gh1P_A = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho_1 g h_1 PD=Patm+ρ2gh2P_D = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho_2 g h_2 Where:

  • ρ1\rho_1 and ρ2\rho_2 are the densities of the two fluids.
  • h1h_1 and h2h_2 are the heights of the two columns.

The pressure difference between points A and D is: PAPD=ρ1gh1ρ2gh2P_A - P_D = \rho_1 g h_1 - \rho_2 g h_2 Given that PAPD=32P_A - P_D = 32 kPa, we have: 32×103=ρ1gh1ρ2gh232 \times 10^3 = \rho_1 g h_1 - \rho_2 g h_2

Step 3: Relate densities to specific gravities.

ρ1=SG1×ρwater=13×1000=13000kg/m3\rho_1 = SG_1 \times \rho_{\text{water}} = 13 \times 1000 = 13000 \, \text{kg/m}^3 Let SG2SG_2 be the specific gravity of the second fluid: ρ2=SG2×ρwater=SG2×1000\rho_2 = SG_2 \times \rho_{\text{water}} = SG_2 \times 1000

Step 4: Express the equation in terms of SG2.

Now substitute the densities into the equation: 32×103=13000×9.8×h1SG2×1000×9.8×h232 \times 10^3 = 13000 \times 9.8 \times h_1 - SG_2 \times 1000 \times 9.8 \times h_2 Simplifying the equation: 32×103=127400×h19800×SG2×h232 \times 10^3 = 127400 \times h_1 - 9800 \times SG_2 \times h_2

Step 5: Final Solution.

To solve for SG2SG_2, we need the ratio h1h2\frac{h_1}{h_2}. If this information is known or provided in the diagram, substitute it in to find SG2SG_2.

If you can provide the ratio or confirm the values of h1h_1 and h2h_2, we can continue with the calculation.

Let me know if you need further clarification or details on any part of the solution. Below are some questions to help deepen your understanding:

  1. What would happen to the specific gravity of the second fluid if the pressure difference PAPDP_A - P_D was higher?
  2. How does the atmospheric pressure influence the readings in a U-tube manometer?
  3. What assumptions are necessary for the hydrostatic pressure equation to be valid in this setup?
  4. How would the result change if the specific gravity of the first fluid were different?
  5. What physical properties of the fluids could cause errors in the pressure measurements?

Tip: Always cross-check the dimensions when working with pressure-related problems to ensure consistency across all units.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Fluid Mechanics
Hydrostatics
Pressure Measurement

Formulas

Specific Gravity (SG) formula: SG = ρ / ρ_water
Hydrostatic pressure equation: P_A - P_D = ρ1 * g * h1 - ρ2 * g * h2
Density relation: ρ = SG * ρ_water

Theorems

Pascal's Law
Hydrostatic Pressure Principle

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate - Engineering or Physics