Pascal and Pressure

Question

What are the absolute pressure and absolute force on the bottom of a

swimming pool (22.0 m x 8.5 m) whose uniform depth is 2.0 m? What will be

the pressure against the side of the pool near the bottom?

Answer 1

Hi Diego,

To find the pressure at a depth of water column of height 2 m, we will use the equation -

P = ρgh + P_atm

Thus, P = 10³*9.8*2 + 1.01*10⁵ Pa =120600 Pa or 120600 N/m². this will be the absolute pressure on the bottom of the swimming pool.

To get force, we multiply pressure by area. So, force = 120600*22*8.5 = 22.55*10⁶N.

From Pascal's Law, pressure is uniform in all the directions. So the pressure on the side near bottom will be same as pressure on the bottom i.e.120600 Pa.