How can I calculate the maximum height of a column of water that can be supported by 1 atmosphere of pressure?

Question

How can I calculate the maximum height of a column of water that can be supported by 1 atmosphere of pressure?

Answer 1

Pressure = density * g * h

You'll get an answer of about 10 meters.

Answer 2

Take 1 cubic foot of water.

It has a mass of 62.4 pounds.

1 cubic foot = 12" x 12" at its Base. And is 1 foot high.

Taking the base measurement of 12" x 12" = 144 square inches.

The mass of 62.4 pounds is exerting a force (pressure) on the base.

Pressure = Force / Area.

62.4 pounds / 144 square inches = 0.433 pounds acting on EACH square inch.

So, 1 foot height of water is exerting this pressure of 0.433psi.

1 atmosphere = 14.7 psi (Pounds/Square Inch).

Therefore we divide 14.7psi by 0.433psi/foot...

= 33.95 feet of water = 1 atmosphere. (say 34 feet).

From this we can go Metric and say that...

1 ft = 12in x 2.54cm/in. = 30.48cm.

34ft x 30.48cm/ft = 1,036cm / 100cm/m = 10.36m.

Now we have both Imperial and Metric measurements.

34 feet of water = 1 atmosphere and,

10.36 metres of water = 1 atmosphere.

More information on conversions: Mercury has a specific gravity of 13.6.

Exchange the Water for Mercury.

33.95 feet of water divided by 13.6 = 2.496 feet of Mercury.

2.496 feet x 12in/ft = 29.95 inches of mercury (30"Hg) = Atmospheric pressure.

29.95inHg x 25.4mm/in = 760mmHg.

Therefore, Atmospheric Pressure is equivalent to...

34ft H2O or; 10.36mH2O or; 30"Hg or: 760mmHg.

Here we go again. Thumbs downer, you are totally wrong with this thumbs down.

Not only is this answer correct, it is scientifically correct.

Go through the calculations and conversions...(If you have the knowledge and ability to do so), and you will find no flaw in the answer.

Answer 3

Convert atmospheres to inches of mercury (inHg)

Convert inches of mercury to water using specific density.

Answer 4

rtfm