Liquid Pressure

Interactive liquid pressure simulation - explore hydrostatic pressure, depth relationship, and density effects

Pressure at Depth: 0.00 kPa
Depth: 0.00 m
Density: 1000 kg/m³

Hydrostatic Pressure Formula

P = ρgh
P: Pressure (Pa) | ρ: Density (kg/m³) | g: 9.8 m/s² | h: Depth (m)

P-h Curve

Parameters

Applications of Liquid Pressure

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Dam Design

Dams are built thicker at the bottom because water pressure increases with depth. The pressure at the base determines the required structural strength.

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Submarine Hull

Submarines need strong hulls to withstand increasing water pressure. Every 10 meters of depth adds about 1 atmosphere of pressure.

Hydraulic Systems

Pascal's principle applications use liquid pressure to multiply force. The pressure is transmitted equally throughout the confined fluid.

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Water Towers

Elevated water tanks use gravity to create pressure. The height determines the water pressure in the pipes below.

Understanding Liquid Pressure

Key Points

  • Pressure increases linearly with depth in a liquid
  • Pressure depends on liquid density (ρ) - denser liquids exert more pressure
  • Pressure acts equally in all directions at a given depth
  • Pressure at the bottom of a container is uniform across the entire base
  • The formula P = ρgh is for hydrostatic (still) liquid pressure

Liquid Comparison

Liquid Density Pressure at 10m depth (kPa)
Oil (ρ = 800 kg/m³) 800 78.4
Water (ρ = 1000 kg/m³) 1000 98.0
Seawater (ρ = 1030 kg/m³) 1030 100.9
Mercury (ρ = 13600 kg/m³) 13600 1332.8