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U-Tube Liquid Heights: Exploring Oil & Water Density Dynamics
Chapter 12, Problem 12.58(choose chapter or problem)
A narrow, U-shaped glass tube with open ends is filled with \(25.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) of oil (of specific gravity 0.80) and \(25.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) of water on opposite sides, with a barrier separating the liquids (Fig. P12.58).
(a) Assume that the two liquids do not mix, and find the final heights of the columns of liquid on each side of the tube after the barrier is removed.
(b) For the following cases, arrive at your answer by simple physical reasoning, not by calculations: (i) What would be the height on each side if the oil and water had equal densities? (ii) What would the heights be if the oil’s density were much less than that of water?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
A narrow, U-shaped glass tube with open ends is filled with \(25.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) of oil (of specific gravity 0.80) and \(25.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) of water on opposite sides, with a barrier separating the liquids (Fig. P12.58).
(a) Assume that the two liquids do not mix, and find the final heights of the columns of liquid on each side of the tube after the barrier is removed.
(b) For the following cases, arrive at your answer by simple physical reasoning, not by calculations: (i) What would be the height on each side if the oil and water had equal densities? (ii) What would the heights be if the oil’s density were much less than that of water?
Step 1 of 4
Since the density of the water is greater than the density of the oil, the water side will come down and push the oil upward.
Let us consider that the water will come down by h, that is the oil will go up by h from its initial position.
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U-Tube Liquid Heights: Exploring Oil & Water Density Dynamics
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Exploring the behavior of oil and water in a U-shaped tube when a barrier is removed. Understand the impact of differing densities on fluid heights. Witness equilibrium scenarios effects of equal densities and the displacement dynamics of lighter liquids.