Diameter of a stream of water from a faucet

In summary: There is no pressure difference. Pressure is the force per unit area acting against the flow of a fluid. There's no difference between atmospheric pressure and the pressure at the faucet because the water is flowing into a vacuum.
  • #1
sluo
11
0

Homework Statement



Consider a stream of water flowing from a kitchen faucet. At the mouth of the faucet, the diameter of the stream is 0.960 cm. The stream fills a 125 cm^3 container in 16.3 seconds. Find the diameter of the stream 13.0 cm below the mouth of the faucet.


Homework Equations



Equation of continuity: A_1v_1 = A_2v_2
Bernoulli's equation: P_1 + 0.5ρv_1^2 + ρgh_1 = P_2 + 0.5ρv_2^2 + ρgh_2



The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so using the flow rate and the diameter at the mouth of the faucet we can solve for v_1. We can then write v_2 = (A_1v_1)/A_2 and plug this into Bernoulli's equation and solve for A_2 from which we can extract the diameter. My main question is what is the pressure difference? I assumed P_1=P_2 and from this I got an answer that is close to what the book gives, but not close enough for me to think I'm doing it right. Can anyone tell me what the pressure difference ought to be and why? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
I would think that the main cause of a pressure difference from atmospheric would be from surface tension, but it doesn't sound like you should be taking that into account.
Please post the details of your working and the book answer.
 
  • #3
sluo said:

Homework Statement



Consider a stream of water flowing from a kitchen faucet. At the mouth of the faucet, the diameter of the stream is 0.960 cm. The stream fills a 125 cm^3 container in 16.3 seconds. Find the diameter of the stream 13.0 cm below the mouth of the faucet.
Ok, so using the flow rate and the diameter at the mouth of the faucet we can solve for v_1. We can then write v_2 = (A_1v_1)/A_2 and plug this into Bernoulli's equation and solve for A_2 from which we can extract the diameter. My main question is what is the pressure difference? I assumed P_1=P_2 and from this I got an answer that is close to what the book gives, but not close enough for me to think I'm doing it right. Can anyone tell me what the pressure difference ought to be and why? Thanks!

Homework Statement


I don't see why there should be a pressure difference. p = 1 at. at A1 and A2. Roundoff error? Converted 125 cm3 correctly into m3?
 
  • #4
Since the water stream "descended" a little, a pressure difference will form due to the gain in velocity.
Remember Bernoulli's equation:
Suppose the initial velocity was v_1, and take the faucet's height to be at relative level 0; Then surely:
[tex] \frac{\rho {v_1}^2}{2}=\rho \frac{{v_2}^2}{2} - \rho gh [/tex]
Then use continuity.
And you are given parameters to find out the initial velocity(v_1):Recall the relations between volume, speed, and area.
(Is the correct answer, by the way, 0.245 cm?)
 
  • #5
danielakkerma said:
Since the water stream "descended" a little pressure difference due to the gain in its velocity.
This is in open air. Why, other than surface tension, would the pressure at any point differ from atmospheric?
 
  • #6
danielakkerma said:
Since the water stream "descended" a little, a pressure difference will form due to the gain in velocity.
Remember Bernoulli's equation:
Suppose the initial velocity was v_1, and take the faucet's height to be at relative level 0; Then surely:
[tex] \frac{\rho {v_1}^2}{2}=\rho \frac{{v_2}^2}{2} - \rho gh [/tex]
Then use continuity.
And you are given parameters to find out the initial velocity(v_1):Recall the relations between volume, speed, and area.
(Is the correct answer, by the way, 0.245 cm?)

The book lists the correct answer as 0.247 cm. I keep getting 0.268 cm. It seems from your equation above, that you took P_1 = P_2 even though you said that there should be some difference. So is there a pressure difference or not?
 
  • #7
haruspex said:
I would think that the main cause of a pressure difference from atmospheric would be from surface tension, but it doesn't sound like you should be taking that into account.
Please post the details of your working and the book answer.

Here is my work:

[tex]
A_1v_1 = 125 cm^3/ 16.3 s \\
v_1 = 125/(16.3 *\pi*0.48^2) = 10.6 cm/s
[/tex]

Next, write [tex] v_2 = A_1v_1/A_2 [/tex] and plug into Bernoulli's equation. If we take [tex] P_1 = P_2 [/tex], then the density cancels out and it simplifies to

[tex]
2gh = v_2^2 - v_1^2 = \Bigg(\frac{A_1^2}{A_2^2} - 1\Bigg)v_1^2
[/tex]

From this we get

[tex]
A_2^2 = \frac{A_1^2}{\frac{2gh}{v_1^2} + 1}
[/tex]

Plugging in values, we have

[tex]
A_2^2 = \frac{\pi .48^2}{\frac{2*980*13}{10.6^2} + 1} = .00319
[/tex]

So

[tex]
A_2 = .05698 = \pi r^2
[/tex]

Solving for r and multiplying by 2, I get 0.268 cm. The book says 0.247 cm is the correct answer.
 
  • #8
danielakkerma said:
Since the water stream "descended" a little, a pressure difference will form due to the gain in velocity.
Remember Bernoulli's equation:
Suppose the initial velocity was v_1, and take the faucet's height to be at relative level 0; Then surely:
[tex] \frac{\rho {v_1}^2}{2}=\rho \frac{{v_2}^2}{2} - \rho gh [/tex]

What gives here? You cite the Bernoulli equation without pressure appearing in it, thereby contradicting yourelf!
 
  • #9
I went thru the op's math & came up with the same answer. daniel?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
sluo said:
[tex]
A_2^2 = \frac{\pi .48^2}{\frac{2*980*13}{10.6^2} + 1} = .00319
[/tex]
Try ##A_2^2 = \frac{\left(\pi .48^2\right)^2}{\frac{2*980*13}{10.6^2} + 1}##
Solving for r and multiplying by 2, I get 0.268 cm.
I think you got 2.68cm.
 
  • #11
Sorry, I must have misunderstood...
There is obviously no external pressure variation.
For some reason I thought you were referring to the change in Dynamic pressure, which obviously exists.
Apologies all around!
And it seems you have done everything correctly.
 
  • #12
danielakkerma said:
And it seems you have done everything correctly.
Not so - see my previous post (#10)
 
  • #13
I see what you mean, though through your method, one still gets 0.268 cm, which the OP stated is incorrect.
But, if you do this:
[tex] v_1 = \frac{V}{A_1 t} \approx 10.5947 \ \frac{cm}{s} \\
{v_2} = \sqrt{{v_1}^2+2gh} \approx 159.976 \ \frac{cm}{s} \\
A_2 = \frac{A_1 \ v_1}{v_2} \approx 0.0479367 \ {cm}^2 \\
d_2 = 2\sqrt{\frac{A_2}{\pi}} = 0.247 cm [/tex]
Which is what the OP wanted to obtain...
 
  • #14
OK, so no roundoff error!
 
Last edited:
  • #15
haruspex said:
Try ##A_2^2 = \frac{\left(\pi .48^2\right)^2}{\frac{2*980*13}{10.6^2} + 1}##

I think you got 2.68cm.

Thank you, yes I was forgetting to square the A_1. And the answer is .247cm, not 2.47cm. I kept everything in cm throughout. Thank you!
 
  • #16
rude man said:
OK, so no roundoff error!

It was never a round-off error; it was out by an order of magnitude.
 

Related to Diameter of a stream of water from a faucet

What is the diameter of a stream of water from a faucet?

The diameter of a stream of water from a faucet can vary depending on the type of faucet, water pressure, and other factors. However, on average, the diameter can range from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.

How is the diameter of a stream of water from a faucet measured?

The diameter of a stream of water from a faucet can be measured using a ruler or caliper. Place the measuring tool perpendicular to the stream and take the measurement at the widest point.

What affects the diameter of a stream of water from a faucet?

The diameter of a stream of water from a faucet can be affected by the type of faucet, water pressure, and any obstructions in the faucet or water line. It can also be affected by the aerator, which can restrict or increase the flow of water.

What is the relationship between the diameter of a stream of water from a faucet and water pressure?

The diameter of a stream of water from a faucet is directly related to water pressure. As water pressure increases, the diameter of the stream also increases. Conversely, as water pressure decreases, the diameter of the stream decreases.

Why is the diameter of a stream of water from a faucet important?

The diameter of a stream of water from a faucet is important for several reasons. It can affect the overall water flow and pressure in a household, it can impact the efficiency of various appliances and fixtures that use water, and it can also affect the amount of water that is being used.

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