Hydrostatic Pressure: Summary
The answers to the ConcepTests are given below and will open in a separate window.
Key points from this module:
- Hydrostatic pressure is the result of the weight of the fluid above the point of interest.
- The hydrostatic pressure is based on the specific weight and height of fluid present.
- Hydrostatic pressures for compressible and incompressible fluids can vary significantly.
From studying this module, you should now be able to:
- Calculate the hydrostatic pressure at any location within a fluid for incompressible, compressible isothermal, and compressible non-isothermal fluids.
- Compare pressures between different fluid container types.
- Compare hydrostatic pressures at different points through a fluid.
- Determine when it is reasonable to assume a fluid is compressible or incompressible.
Prepared by Janet deGrazia, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder