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Hydrostatic Pressure Formula:
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Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. It increases in proportion to depth measured from the surface because of the increasing weight of fluid exerting downward force from above.
The calculator uses the hydrostatic pressure formula:
Where:
Explanation: The pressure at the bottom of a fluid container is directly proportional to the density of the fluid, gravitational force, and the height of the fluid column.
Details: Accurate hydrostatic pressure calculation is crucial for designing water tanks, dams, and other fluid containers, as well as for understanding fluid behavior in various engineering applications and natural phenomena.
Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³ (1000 for water), gravitational acceleration in m/s² (9.81 on Earth), and fluid height in meters. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is hydrostatic pressure important in water tank design?
A: Hydrostatic pressure determines the structural requirements for tank walls and foundations to prevent leakage or failure under fluid pressure.
Q2: Does hydrostatic pressure depend on the shape of the container?
A: No, hydrostatic pressure depends only on fluid density, gravity, and depth, not on the container's shape or size.
Q3: How does temperature affect hydrostatic pressure?
A: Temperature affects fluid density, which in turn affects hydrostatic pressure. Warmer fluids typically have lower density and thus exert less pressure.
Q4: What units are used for hydrostatic pressure?
A: Pascals (Pa) are the SI unit, but other common units include psi, bar, and atmospheres. This calculator uses Pascals.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for fluids other than water?
A: Yes, simply input the appropriate density value for the specific fluid you're working with.