LearnChemE

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