Height of a drop in a dripping faucet

In summary, the problem involves a dripping faucet where drops are falling at a constant rate. The question asks at what height above the sink will a drop be in the air when another drop hits the sink. The time it takes for a drop to travel from the faucet to the sink is found using the equation 10=980(t/2)^2, which gives t=1/7. However, it is unclear how to use this information to solve the problem.
  • #1
krackers
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This is from question 1 of the F=MA 2012 exam:

Consider a dripping faucet, where the faucet is 10 cm above the sink. The time between drops is such that when one drop hits the sink, one is in the air and another is about to drop. At what height above the sink will the drop in the air be right as a drop hits the sink?

First, I don't quite get the problem. What do they mean by "when one drop hits the sink, one is in the air and another is about to drop." Does this mean that it just exited the faucet when the other hits the sink? If so, isn't the answer to the question 10?

Regardless, I know that the time it takes for a drop to travel from the faucet to the sink is found from:10 =980(t/2)^2which gives that t=1/7, but I am not sure how to use that information.
 
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  • #2
There are three drops involved in the problem. One is just hitting the sink, one is just leaving the faucet, and one is in the air somewhere in between. The question asks you to locate this last drop. The implicit assumption being that drops leave the faucet at a constant rate.
 
  • #3
eg The drops are equidistant in time but not space.
 

Related to Height of a drop in a dripping faucet

1. What is the average height of a drop in a dripping faucet?

The average height of a drop in a dripping faucet is approximately 1/4 of an inch, or 6.35 millimeters. This can vary depending on the type of faucet and water pressure.

2. How many drops of water are in one inch of a dripping faucet?

On average, there are about 20 drops of water in one inch of a dripping faucet. However, this can also vary depending on the size of the droplets and the rate of dripping.

3. Does the height of a drop in a dripping faucet change over time?

Yes, the height of a drop in a dripping faucet can change over time. Factors such as water pressure, temperature, and surface tension can all affect the size and shape of the droplets, resulting in variations in the drop height.

4. How does the height of a drop in a dripping faucet compare to other types of droplets?

The height of a drop in a dripping faucet is usually smaller compared to other types of droplets, such as raindrops or tears. This is because the droplets in a faucet are formed from surface tension and gravity, while other droplets may have additional forces acting on them.

5. Can the height of a drop in a dripping faucet be used to measure water flow?

While the height of a drop in a dripping faucet can give an estimate of water flow, it is not an accurate or reliable method of measurement. Other factors, such as the size and shape of the faucet, can also affect water flow. It is best to use a flow meter for precise measurements.

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