Depth of lake (Pressure/fluids)

In summary, a 1.6 m long glass tube, closed at one end, is weighted and lowered to the bottom of a freshwater lake. Upon recovery, an indicator mark shows that water rose to within 0.32 m of the closed end. Using the equation P1*V1 = P2*V2 and the given values of pressure, length, and density, we can determine the depth of the lake to be 0.32 m. The density of the glass and weight of the weight used were not necessary in this calculation.
  • #1
Elbobo
145
0

Homework Statement


A 1.6 m long glass tube closed at one end
is weighted and lowered to the bottom of a
freshwater lake. When the tube is recovered,
an indicator mark shows that water rose to
within 0.32 m of the closed end.
Assume the temperature is constant, the
acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2, the density
of the glass is 3400 kg/m3 , the density of the
lake water is 1000 kg/m3, and air pressure is
1.013 × 105 Pa.

Determine the depth of the lake. Answer in
units of m.


Homework Equations


P = PA + PLake
Plake = rho * g * h (h = depth of lake)
rho = m / V
V = pi * r2 * L1 (L1 = 1.6 m)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I tried setting up a proportion:

L1 / L2 (L2 = 0.32 m ) = PA / PL

(L2PA) / L2 = PL = rho * g * h
From there, h seems to be easy to figure out, but I don't think my process is right because I ignored the density of the glass given.

Can someone help me?
 
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  • #2
Looks like your method is almost OK.

Isn't the key relationship

P1*V1 = P2*V2

1 atm * 1.6 = Pbottom *.32

ρ *g * h = 1.6 / .32 atm

They gave you the density of glass but not the weight of the weight used to submerge it? To what purpose? Maybe not all givens are always necessary?
 
  • #3
Ah, ok.

I forgot P(bottom) was 1 atm + pgh.

Thank you!
 

Related to Depth of lake (Pressure/fluids)

1. What is the depth of a lake?

The depth of a lake refers to the measurement of how deep the water is at a certain point in the lake. It is typically measured from the surface of the water to the bottom of the lake.

2. How is the depth of a lake measured?

The depth of a lake can be measured using various methods such as sonar, echo-sounders, and depth sounders. These devices emit sound waves that bounce off the bottom of the lake and return to the device, providing a measurement of the depth.

3. Does the depth of a lake affect its water pressure?

Yes, the depth of a lake does affect its water pressure. As the depth increases, so does the pressure exerted by the weight of the water above. This is known as hydrostatic pressure.

4. How does the depth of a lake impact the movement of fluids?

The depth of a lake can impact the movement of fluids through the lake, as the pressure exerted by the depth can affect the direction and speed of flow. This can also impact the mixing of different layers of water in the lake.

5. Can the depth of a lake change over time?

Yes, the depth of a lake can change over time due to various factors such as erosion, sedimentation, and changes in water levels. Natural events like earthquakes or human activities like dredging can also alter the depth of a lake.

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