We often encounter pressure in our study of fluid mechanics.

When compressive
forces act on an area, it results in pressure. Observing Figure 2.1.1., we can see that
the infinitesimal force 𝛥𝐹𝑛 acting on the infinitesimal area 𝛥𝐴 gives rise to pressure,
which can be expressed as

𝛥𝐹𝑛
𝜌 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚
𝛥𝐴→0 𝛥𝐴

Figure 2.1.1. Normal force that results in pressure

When pressure is defined as a normal force exerted by a fluid per unit area, we
only speak of pressure if we are dealing with gas or a liquid. Its counterpart in solids is
called the normal stress. Since pressure is defined as the force per unit area, its unit is
expressed in newtons per square meter (N/m2) which is also equivalent to pascal (Pa).
That is,

1 N/m2 = 1 Pa

However, the pressure unit pascal is relatively small for pressures encountered in
practice. Thus, kilopascal (1 kPa = 103 Pa) and megapascal (1 MPa = 106 Pa) are
commonly used. There are several pressure units which is used in practice, especially
in Europe, which are bar, standard atmosphere, and kilogram-force per square
centimeter:

1 bar = 105 Pa = 0.1 MPa = 100 kPa

1 atm = 101,325 Pa = 101.325 kPa = 1.01325 bars

1 kgf/cm2 = 9.807 N/cm2 = 9.807 x 104 N/m2 = 9.807 x 104 Pa = 0.9807 bar = 0.9679
atm
 The pressure units bar, atm, and kgf/cm2 are almost equivalent to each other. In
the English system, the pressure unit is expressed in pound-force per square inch
(lbs/in2, or psi), and 1 atm is equivalent to 14.696 psi.

1. A block with length = 1.5 m, width = 1 m, height = 0.5 m and mass = 300 kg lays
on the table. What is the pressure at the bottom surface of the block?
Given:

Length = 1.5 m

Width = 1 m

Height = 0.5 m

Mass = 300 kg

Required:

Pressure at the bottom surface of block

Solution:

𝐹
We have the formula 𝑃 = 𝐴 , 𝐴 = 𝐿𝑥𝑊

𝐴 = 1.5 𝑥 1 = 1.5 𝑚2

Since 𝐹 = 𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔,

𝐹 = 300 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠 = 2 943 𝑁

Therefore,

𝐹 2943 𝑁
𝑃=𝐴= 1.5 𝑚2

𝑷 = 𝟏 𝟗𝟔𝟐 𝑷𝒂
2. A jar of water with 15 cm of height. Find the pressure of water at the bottom of
the jar, ignore the atmospheric pressure and use the acceleration due to gravity
and the density of water.
Given:

Height = 15 cm

Acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s 2

density of water = 1000 kg/m3

Required:

Pressure of water at the bottom of the jar

Solution:

The pressure at the depth of 15 cm can be expressed through,

𝑃=𝜌𝑥𝑔𝑥ℎ

𝑃 = 1000 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠 2 𝑥 0.15 𝑚

𝑷 = 𝟏 𝟒𝟕𝟏. 𝟓𝟎 𝑷𝒂

3. Find the pressure in kilopascals if a mercury barometer reads 742 mm

Given:

Barometer reading = 742 mm

Required:

Pressure in kilopascals.

Solution:

𝑃=𝑦𝑥ℎ

742
𝑃 = (133.1) ( )
1000

𝑷 = 𝟗𝟖. 𝟖 𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐 𝒐𝒓 𝒌𝑷𝒂

4. A water glass sitting on a table weighs 4 N. The bottom of the water glass has a
surface area of 0.003 m2. Calculate the pressure the water glass exerts on the
table.
Given:

Force = 4 N

Area = 0.003 m2

Required:

The pressure the water glass exerts on the table.

Solution:

𝐹
𝑃=
𝐴

4
𝑃=
0.003

𝑷 = 𝟏𝟑𝟑𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 𝑷𝒂

5. A box that weighs 250 N is at rest on the floor. If the pressure exerted by the box
on the floor is 25 000 Pa, over what area is the box in contact with the floor?
Given:

Force = 250 N

Pressure exerted = 25 000 Pa

Required:

Area in which the box is in contact with the floor.

Solution:

𝐹 𝐹
𝑃=𝐴;𝐴=𝑃

250
𝐴=
25 000

𝑨 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 𝒎𝟐
Facts/Trivia:

1. Did you know that the amount of pressure you use to bite into a carrot is the
same amount of pressure you would need to bite of someone else’s finger.

2. As pressure is measured as the force you use divided by the area over which
you use it, we experience air pressure all the time because of the weight of air
pressing in our bodies.

3. Water behaves differently from air when it is under pressure. It cannot be

compressed (squeezed). This makes it useful for transmitting force in machines,
using a system called hydraulics. Water is also heavier than air, and an increase
in water pressure affects humans more than a drop in air pressure. Even with a
snorkel or other breathing apparatus, it feels much harder to breathe underwater.
The water above you presses down from all sides on your body, so your lungs
find it harder to expand to take in air. The deeper you go, the more water there is
above you and the greater the pressure on your body.
Pascal’s Law

The principle of fluid mechanics known as Pascal's law,

sometimes referred to as the principle of transmission of fluid-
pressure or Pascal's Principle, is important. The concept was
first introduced in 1653 by the French mathematician and
physicist Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

It is stated in this principle that any surface in contact

with the fluid is perpendicular to the static pressure's action. Pascal discovered that for a
static fluid, the pressure at a unit would be the same for all planes going through the
fluid.

Pascal’s Law Formula

𝐹 = 𝑃𝐴

where,

F = applied force

P = pressure transmitted

A = cross-sectional area

It states that Any change in pressure applied to a

completely enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all
parts of the fluid and the enclosing walls.

𝐹1 𝐹
𝑃1 = 𝑃2 𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2

where in

𝑃1= input pressure, Pa

𝑃2 = output pressure, Pa

𝐹1 = input force, N
 𝐹2 = output force, N

𝐴1 = area where input pressure is applied, 𝑚2

𝐴2 = area where output pressure is applied, 𝑚2

1. A 2000-lb car is lifted by a manually operated hydraulic lift. The area of the shaft
of the lift is 80 cm2 while the area of the piston that forces liquid into the system is
2 cm2. What force must be exerted on this piston to lift the car?

Given:

𝐴1 = 2 𝑐𝑚2

𝐹2 = 2000 𝑙𝑏

𝐴2 = 80 𝑐𝑚2

Required:

𝐹1 = ?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹
𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2

𝐹2 𝐴1
𝐹1 = 𝐴2

(2000 𝑙𝑏)(2 𝑐𝑚2 )

𝐹1 = 80 𝑐𝑚2

𝑭𝟏 = 50 lb
2. An engineering student wants to build a hydraulic pump to lift a 1, 815 N crate.
The pump will have two pistons connected via a fluid chamber. The student
calculates that a force of 442 N will be exerted on the small piston, which will
have an area of 50.2 cm2. What must the area of the large piston be to exert the
desired force?

Given:

𝐹1 = 442 𝑁

𝐴1 = 50.2 𝑐𝑚2

𝐹2 = 1815 𝑁

Required:

𝐴2 = ?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹
𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2

𝐹2 𝐴1
𝐴2 = 𝐹1

(1815 𝑁)(50.2 𝑐𝑚2)

𝐴2 = 442 𝑁

𝑨𝟐 = 206 cm2

3. For a hydraulic device, a piston has a cross-sectional area of 30 cm2 moving an

incompressible liquid with a force of 60 N. The other end of the hydraulic pipe is
attached to a 2nd piston with a 60 cm 2 cross-sectional area. Determine the force
on the second piston?
 Given:

F1 = 60 N

A1 = 30 cm2

A2 = 60 cm2

Required:

F2 = ?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹
𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2

𝐹1 𝐴2
𝐹2 = 𝐴1

(60 𝑁)(60 𝑐𝑚2)

𝐹2 = 30 𝑐𝑚2

𝑭𝟐 = 120 N

4. The small piston of a hydraulic lift has an area of 0.20 m2 . A car weighing 1.2 x
104 N sits on a rack mounted on the large piston. The large piston has an area of
0.90 m2 . How large force must be applied to the small piston to support the car?

Given:

𝐴1 = 0.20 𝑚2

𝐹2 = 1.2 × 104 𝑁

𝐴2 = 0.90 𝑚2
 Required:

𝐹1 = ?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹
𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2

𝐹2 𝐴1
𝐹1 = 𝐴2

(1.2×104 𝑁)(0.20 𝑚2 )
𝐹1 = 0.90 𝑚2

𝑭𝟏 = 2.7 × 103 N

5. A dentist’s chair makes use of Pascal’s principle to move patients up and down.
Together, the chair and a patient exert a downward force of 2,269 N. The chair is
attached to a large piston with an area of 1,221 cm2. To move the chair, a pump
applies force to a small piston with an area of 88.12 cm2. What force must be
exerted on the small piston to lift the chair?

Given:

𝐴1 = 88.12 𝑐𝑚2

𝐹2 = 2269 𝑁

𝐴2 = 1221 𝑐𝑚2

Required:

𝐹1 = ?

Solution:

𝐹1 𝐹
𝐴1
= 𝐴2
2
 𝐹2 𝐴1
𝐹1 = 𝐴2

(2269 𝑁)(88.12 𝑐𝑚2 )

𝐹1 = 1221 𝑐𝑚2

𝑭𝟏 = 163.8 N

Real Life Application of Pascal’s Law

Pascal’s law is used in the making of hydraulic machineries used by automobile

industries.

1. Hydraulic Lift
The utility of a hydraulic lift is broad. It contains a
hydraulic mechanism for lifting large things. For hydraulic
lifts, the application of force results in "lift" and "work."

It is founded on the idea of fluid pressure being

transmitted equally throughout. A narrow cylinder (A) is coupled to a larger, airtight
piston-equipped cylinder (B), which is filled with an incompressible fluid. Pascal's Law is
mathematically represented which makes it easier to determine how much pressure can
be applied to the piston's fluid to generate enough force to lift and move an item.

When piston A applies pressure to piston B, piston B lifts huge objects like large
machinery and cars. The industrial, building, transportation, and other industries all use
hydraulic lift technology extensively.
 2. Hydraulic Pumps

The flow of a fluid is facilitated by hydraulic pumps,

which transform mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.
This is another instance where Pascal's Law is applicable.

Fluid is pumped out with the use of hydraulic pumps.

It has two oil-filled cylinders, one small and one huge, that are linked to one other. The
little cylinder's inside is filled with compressed air which applies pressure to the oil's
surface. The oil transfers this pressure to the huge cylinder, where it acts on a big piston
to provide a force strong enough to lift a car.
ATMOSPHERIC, GAGE, ABSOLUTE AND VACUUM PRESSURE

I. Atmospheric pressure is the weight of all gas above the surface in which it
comes in contact. It is also referred to as barometric pressure. Under normal
conditions, atmospheric pressure at sea level is equal to 101.325 kPa (14.696
psi) at 59°F heat, usually rounded off to 100 kPa (14.7 psi) by engineers. In
imperial units and metric units – it is 1013.25 millibar at 15°C. With increase in
altitude, atmospheric pressure decreases.
For an open tank, we should include the pressure outside the tank
pressing on the top of the surface of the fluid.

𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ

II. Gage pressure, measured with the use of pressure gauges, is the pressure
above or below atmospheric pressure. Negative gauge pressure indicates a
vacuum which cannot go below –101.325 kPa. Positive gauge pressure indicates
that the pressure is above atmospheric. Gage pressure is also called relative
pressure.
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 − 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

III. Absolute pressure is equal to gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure.

There is no such thing as negative absolute pressure. In the absence of all
matter (complete vacuum), the absolute pressure is zero. It is denoted by Abs.
derived from Latin “absolutus”, meaning independent.

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

IV. Vacuum Pressure is the pressure below atmospheric pressure is measured by

vacuum gauges. It indicates the difference between atmospheric pressure and
absolute pressure.
𝑃𝑣𝑎𝑐 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − 𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠
𝑃𝑣𝑎𝑐 = − 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒
 Figure 2.3.1 The Relationship between Atmospheric, Gage, Absolute, and Vacuum
Pressures

Common Unit Conversion

1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 14.7 𝑝𝑠𝑖
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 101.325 𝑘𝑃𝑎
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 760 𝑚𝑚𝐻𝑔
1 𝑏𝑎𝑟 = 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Instruments for Measuring Pressure Gage

1. Bourdon Gage
It is a steam type gage; a type of aneroid pressure gauge consisting of a
flattened curved tube attached to a pointer that moves around a dial.

2. Barograph
It is a recording barometer which provides a continuous record of pressure
over a period of time.
3. Aneroid Barometer
It is a liquid-less instrument which is more potable and durable than a
mercury barometer.

4. Manometer
Instruments that use columns of liquids to measure pressures. It is a tube
usually bent in a form of a U, containing a liquid of known specific gravity, the
surface of which moves proportionally to changes in pressure

1. If the absolute pressure in gas is 40 psia and the atmospheric pressure is 846
mbar abs, find the gage pressure in bar.
 Given:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 40 psi
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 846 mbar

Required:
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒

Solution:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 101.325 𝑘𝑃𝑎 1 𝑏𝑎𝑟

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 40 𝑝𝑠𝑖 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
14.7 𝑝𝑠𝑖 1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 2.76 𝑏𝑎𝑟

𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 − 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 2.76 𝑏𝑎𝑟 − (846 𝑥 10−3 )
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 1.91 bar

2. If the atmospheric pressure is 0.9 bar abs and a gage attached to a tank reads
390mmHg vacuum, what is the absolute pressure within the tank in kPa?

Given:
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 0.9 bar
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 390 mmHg

Required:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠

Solution:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 101.325 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = −390 𝑚𝑚𝐻𝑔 𝑥 𝑥
760 𝑚𝑚𝐻𝑔 1 𝑎𝑡𝑚

𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = −52 𝑘𝑃𝑎

100 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 0.9 𝑏𝑎𝑟 𝑥
1 𝑏𝑎𝑟
 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 90 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 + 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = −52 𝑘𝑃𝑎 + 90 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 38 kPa

3. Determine the gage pressure at a point in a body of oil (s=0.8) 2.5m below the
free surface. If the atmospheric on the free surface is 101 KPa, what is the
corresponding absolute pressure at the point?

Given:
S = 0.8
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 101 kPa
h = 2.5 m

Required:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠

Solution:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 101 𝑘𝑃𝑎 + 0.8 (9.81 𝑚3 )(2.5 𝑚)

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 120.62 kPa abs

4. Find the absolute pressure on a scuba diver when she is 12 m below the surface
of the ocean. Assume standard atmospheric conditions.

Given:
h = 12 m
𝑁
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 1.01 x 105 𝑚2
𝑘𝑔
p = 1.03 x 103 𝑚3

Required:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠
 Solution:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑁 𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 1.01 𝑥 105 𝑚2 + (1.03 𝑥 103 𝑚3 ) (9.8 𝑠 2 )(12 𝑚)
𝑁 𝑁
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 1.01 𝑥 105 2
+ 1.21 𝑥 105 2
𝑚 𝑚
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 2.22 x 𝟏𝟎𝟓 Pa

5. Compare the total pressure at the bottom of a swimming pool of depth 3.00 m if it
is filled with freshwater and seawater.

Given:
h = 3.00 m
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 101.3 kPa
𝑘𝑔
p(freshwater) = 1000 𝑚3
𝑘𝑔
p(seawater) = 1.03 x 103 𝑚3

Required:
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 at the bottom (freshwater)
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 at the bottom (seawater)

Solution:
a. 𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 at the bottom (freshwater)
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ
𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 101.3 𝑘𝑃𝑎 + (1000 𝑚3 )(9.8 𝑠 2 )(3.00 𝑚)

𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 1.31 x 𝟏𝟎𝟓 Pa or 130.73 kPa

b. 𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 at the bottom (seawater)

𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ
𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 101.3 𝑘𝑃𝑎 + (1.03 𝑥 103 𝑚3 )(9.8 𝑠 2 )(3.00 𝑚)

𝑃𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 1.32 x 𝟏𝟎𝟓 Pa or 131.58 kPa

Facts/Trivia:

1. The atmospheric pressure on Denali, Alaska is about half that of Honolulu,

Hawai’i. Honolulu is a city at sea level, and Denali, also known as Mount
McKinley, is the highest peak in North America.

2. As the pressure decreases, the amount of oxygen available to breathe also

decreases. At very high altitudes, atmospheric pressure and available oxygen get
so low that people can become sick and even die.

3. Atmospheric pressure is an indicator of weather. When a low-pressure system

moves into an area, it usually leads to cloudiness, wind, and precipitation.
Moreover, high-pressure systems usually lead to fair and calm weather.
Variations in pressure with Depth in a Fluid
You experience air pressure at the Earth's surface because of the weight
of the air above you. As you increase in altitude, this pressure diminishes as
does the weight of the air above you. As you go further underwater, more
pressure is placed on you. In this instance, both the weight of the atmosphere
above you and the weight of the water above you combine to exert pressure on
you. Pressure can be described as the amount of force that is being exerted on a
specific area.

Figure 2.4.1 Forces acting on a prism of fluid at rest

Considering the two locations marked as 1 and 2 which are located at the
extremities of a fluid prism with length (L) and a cross-sectional area (a), the
difference in height between these two chosen places is h. The fluid's surface is
unobstructed and at rest. As a result, the prism is in equilibrium and there are no
net forces operating on it.
𝑊 = 𝛾𝑉 or 𝑊 = 𝛾(𝑎𝐿)
Getting the summation of all forces horizontal,
[𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 0]
𝐹2 − 𝐹1 = 𝑊𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝑝2 𝑎 − 𝑝1 𝑎 = 𝛾(𝑎𝐿)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
Since h = 𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃,
𝑝2 − 𝑝1 = 𝛾ℎ
 Obtaining this formula, we can conclude that the difference of the pressure
between any points chosen if the fluid is homogeneous is equal to the unit weight
of the fluid (𝛾) multiplied by the distance of the two points (h). Take note that the
Free liquid surface or the FFS in the figure is the liquid surface that has zero
gage pressure or it only has the atmospheric pressure only so for example one
chosen point is located at the free liquid surface then the gage pressure or 𝑝1 will
be zero and the equation would be 𝑝2 − 0 = 𝛾ℎ. However, when the chosen two
points lie on the same height or elevation, h would be equal to zero and the
equation would result to 𝑝2 = 𝑝1 .

Pressure below Layers of Different Liquids

Figure 2.4.2 Pressure below layers of three different liquids

We can recall that pressure can be calculated by multiplying the unit
weight of the liquid (𝛾) and the pressure head (h) so considering the given tank
above filled with different liquids with air at the top with a gage pressure of PA,
we can obtain the pressure at the bottom of the tank by using this equation:
𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 𝛴𝛾ℎ + 𝑝
𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾2 ℎ2 + 𝛾3 ℎ3 + 𝑃𝐴

1.) The pressure acting on points A and N is 135 kPa and 72 kPa respectively.
Compute for the the difference in elevation between point A and point N in the
3
figure if the distance between two points is 8𝑥10 𝑚𝑚.
 Given:
Pressure at point A = 135 kPa
Pressure at point B = 72 kPa
Distance between two points = 8𝑥103 𝑚𝑚

Required:
Difference in elevation between two points (A and N)

Solution:
1𝑚
8𝑥103 𝑚𝑚 (1000𝑚𝑚) = 8𝑚

𝑝2 − 𝑝1 = 𝛾𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
135 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 − 72 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 = (9.81 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 )(8𝑚)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝜃 = 53.39°
ℎ = 𝐿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
ℎ = (8𝑚)𝑠𝑖𝑛(53.39°)
ℎ = 6.42 m

2.) Points C and R are the ends of a fluid prism lying on a level surface. If the fluid
prism is cylindrical in shape having a diameter of 230 cm and length of 6.7 m, the
mass of the fluid inside is 7.3𝑥10−11 𝑘𝑔, compute the pressure acting on the two
points.

Given:
Diameter = 230 cm or 2.3 m
Length = 6.7 m
Mass of the fluid inside = 7.3𝑥10−11 𝑘𝑔

Required:
Pressure acting on the two points (C and R)

Solution:
𝑀
𝑃 = ( 𝑉 ) ; 𝑉 = 𝐴𝑑
𝜋𝑑2
𝐴 = ( )
4
 𝜋(2.3𝑚)2
𝐴 = ( )
4

𝐴 = 4.15 𝑚2
𝑉 = 4.15 𝑚2 (6.7 𝑚)
𝑉 = 27.81 𝑚3
Note: 1 𝑘𝑔 = 8.98𝑥1016 𝐽
𝐽
1 𝑃𝑎 = (𝑚3)

8.98𝑥1016 𝐽
7.3𝑥10−11 𝑘𝑔 ( ) = 6,555,400 𝐽
1 𝑘𝑔
6,555,400 𝐽
𝑃= ( )
27.81 𝑚3

1 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃 = 235,720.96 𝑃𝑎 ( )
1000 𝑃𝑎
𝑃 = 235.72 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Note: Level surface = 𝑃 = 𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝑅
𝑃𝐶 = 235.72 kPa
𝑃𝑅 = 235.72 kPa

3.) Assuming specific weight of air to be constant at 12𝑁/ 𝑚3 , what is the

approximate height of Mount Dew if a mercury barometer at the base of the
mountain reads 654 mm and at the same instant, another barometer at the top of
the mountain reads 480 mm.

Given:
Specific weight of air = 12𝑁/ 𝑚3
ℎ𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 654 𝑚𝑚
ℎ𝑡𝑜𝑝 = 480 𝑚𝑚

Required:
Approximate height of Mount Dew

Solution:
𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ
𝑃2 − 𝑃1 = 𝛾ℎ ; 𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝑇 = 𝛾ℎ
(𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝑇 )
ℎ =
𝛾
 𝑘𝑔 9.8𝑚 1𝑚
[(13.6) (1000 ) ( 2 ) (654 𝑚𝑚) ( )]
𝑚3 𝑠 1000 𝑚𝑚
1𝑚
−[(13.6)(1000 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 )(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )(480 𝑚𝑚)( )]
ℎ = 1000 𝑚𝑚
12 𝑁/𝑚3
ℎ = 1,934.53 m

4.) A reservoir full of oil, gasoline and seawater with a specific gravity of 0.81, 0.72
for oil and gasoline respectively and unit weight of 10.05 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 for seawater. If
the depth of the liquids are 0.46 m, 0.83 m and 1 m for the oil, gasoline and
seawater respectively; find the pressure of a depth of 1.22 m, 1.9 m and at the
bottom of the reservoir.

Given:
Specific gravity of oil = 0.81
Specific gravity of gasoline = 0.72
Unit weight of seawater = 10.05 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3
Depth of oil = 0.46 m
Depth of gasoline = 0.83 m
Depth of seawater = 1 m

Required:
Pressure at depth of 1.22 m, 1.9 m and at the bottom of the reservoir

Solution:
For 1.22 m:
𝑃 = 𝛾ℎ
𝑃1.22 = (0.81)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.46 𝑚) + (0.72)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.76 𝑚)
𝑃1.22 = 9.02 kPa
For 1.9 m:
𝑃 = 𝛾ℎ
𝑃1.9 = (0.81)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.46 𝑚) + (0.72)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.83 𝑚)

+(10.05 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.61 𝑚)

𝑃1.9 = 15.65 kPa
 For bottom of the reservoir:
𝑃 = 𝛾ℎ

𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = (0.81)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.46 𝑚) + (0.72)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.83 𝑚)

+(10.05 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(1 𝑚)

𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 19.57 kPa

5.) Calculate the pressure at the bottom of the tank based on the table and figure
shown below:

Given:
𝑃𝐴 = 82 𝑘𝑃𝑎

Required:
Pressure at the bottom of the tank
Solution:
𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 𝛾1 ℎ1 + 𝛾2 ℎ2 + 𝛾3 ℎ3 + 𝑃𝐴
𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = (0.57)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(0.76 𝑚) + (0.85)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )
(0.67 𝑚) + (1.13)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )(1.15 𝑚) + 82 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 = 104.58 kPa
Facts/Trivias:
1.) Have your ears ever popped on a plane flight or ached during a deep dive in a
swimming pool or when you come down from a really high place? This
experience is the same as the effect of depth on pressure in a fluid.
2.) The force is always exerted perpendicular to the container’s surface. This may be
seen in a balloon. As you fill the balloon with air, you’ll note that it grows evenly,
with no one side inflating more than the other. Liquids in a container also show
this behavior.
Pressure Head
In fluid mechanics, the pressure head refers to the force a liquid column
applies to the container's base. It is usually the height of the liquids per column. It
may be calculated by taking into account the pressure acting at any place on a
fluid while it is at rest. The hydrostatic law states that the specific weight of the
fluid at that location must be equal to the rate of pressure rise in a vertical
downward direction. It is portrayed as the “h” in equations.
𝑃
ℎ =
𝜸

Figure 2.5.1 U-tube manometer Figure 2.5.2 Pressure head sample

As you can see from the figure above on the left, that is a U-tube
manometer that we will be using to show you the concept of the pressure head.
The “h” in the figure shows the pressure head since the pressure at the curved
part would be the same since you have to add then subtract the same value
because it has the same height too. Moving on to the figure at the right, the
pressure heads are the height of each liquid. The oil’s h is the 6m, the water’s h
is 2m and the glycerin’s h is 3m. It would be easier to determine it in a tank
because you would just have to look at each liquid’s height in the column. There
are instances wherein you would need to convert a specific pressure head of any
liquid into water and to do that, you should just multiply the pressure head of that
liquid to its specific gravity or
ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ℎ𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑥 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
1.) If the pressure in a tank is 50 psi, find the equivalent pressure head of (a.) water,
(b.) mercury and (c.) heavy fuel oil with a specific gravity of 0.92.
Note: 𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3
𝜌𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦 = 847.3 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3

Given:
Pressure in a tank = 50 psi
Specific gravity of heavy fuel oil = 0.92
Required:
Equivalent pressure head of water, mercury and heavy fuel oil with a
specific gravity of 0.92

Solution:
(a.) For water:
𝑃𝑔𝑐
ℎ = 𝜌𝑔
12𝑖𝑛 2
(50 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛2 )( ) (32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )
1𝑓𝑡
ℎ = (62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3 )(32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )

ℎ = 115.38 ft

(b.) For mercury:

𝑃𝑔𝑐
ℎ =
𝜌𝑔
12 𝑖𝑛 2
(50 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛2 )( ) (32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )
1 𝑓𝑡
ℎ = (847.3 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3 )(32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )

ℎ = 8.50 ft

(c.) For heavy fuel oil with a specific gravity of 0.92:

𝑃𝑔𝑐
ℎ =
𝜌𝑔
12𝑖𝑛 2
(50 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛2 )( ) (32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )
1𝑓𝑡
ℎ =
(0.92)(62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3 )(32.174 𝑙𝑏⋅𝑓𝑡/𝑙𝑏⋅𝑠 2 )

ℎ = 125.42 ft
2.) Convert 9 psi to (a.) inches of mercury (s = 13.6) and (b.) feet of water.

Given:
Pressure = 9 psi
S = 13.6

Required:
Inches of mercury
Feet of water

Solution:
(a.) For inches of mercury
9 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛2
ℎ𝐻𝑔 = 1 𝑓𝑡 3
(13.6)(62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 3 )( )
12 𝑖𝑛

ℎ𝐻𝑔 = 18.33 in Hg

(a.) For feet of water

12 𝑖𝑛 2
9 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛2 ( )
1 𝑓𝑡
ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 3
(62.4 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 )

ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 20.77 ft

3.) Determine the heights of columns of water, kerosene (s - 0.82) and nectar (s =
2.94) equivalent to 277 mmHg.

Given:
𝑆𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = 0.82
𝑆𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = 2.94
Total height = 277 mm Hg

Required:
Heights of columns of water, kerosene and nectar

Solution:
(a.) For water
𝑃𝐻𝑔 = 𝑃𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ; (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔 = (𝛾ℎ)𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
 𝑃 (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔
ℎ = 𝜸 ; ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝛾𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

[(13.6)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )](277 𝑚𝑚)

ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = (9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )

ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 3,767.20 mm
𝟏𝒎
or ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = ( 𝟑, 𝟕𝟔𝟕. 𝟐𝟎 𝒎𝒎)(𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎)

ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 3.77 m

(b.) For kerosene

𝑃𝐻𝑔 = 𝑃𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 ; (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔 = (𝛾ℎ)𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒
𝑃 (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔
ℎ = 𝜸 ; ℎ𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = 𝛾
𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒

[(13.6)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )](277 𝑚𝑚)

ℎ𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = (0.82)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )

ℎ𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = 4,594.15 mm
𝟏𝒎
or ℎ𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = (𝟒, 𝟓𝟗𝟒. 𝟏𝟓 𝒎𝒎)(𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎)

ℎ𝑘𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑒 = 4.59 m

(c.) For nectar

𝑃𝐻𝑔 = 𝑃𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 ; (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔 = (𝛾ℎ)𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟
𝑃 (𝛾ℎ)𝐻𝑔
ℎ = 𝜸 ; ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = 𝛾
𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟

[(13.6)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )](277 𝑚𝑚)

ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = (2.94)(9.81 𝑘𝑁/ 𝑚3 )

ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = 1,281.36 mm
𝟏𝒎
or ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = (𝟏, 𝟐𝟖𝟏. 𝟑𝟔 𝒎𝒎)(𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎)

ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑟 = 1.28 m

4.) The pressure in a gas tank is 2.75 atmospheres. Compute the pressure in
kiloPascal and the pressure head in meters of water.
Note: 1 atm = 101.325 kPa absolute
3.2 atm = 324.24 kPa absolute

Given:
P = 2.75 atmospheres
 Required:
Pressure in kPa
Pressure head in meters of water

Solution:
(a.) Pressure in kPa
101.325 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑠
𝑃 = (2.75 𝑎𝑡𝑚)( )
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚

𝑃 = 278.64 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒

𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 − 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 278.64 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑠 − 1 𝑎𝑡𝑚
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 278.64 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑠 − 101.325 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑠
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 177.32 kPa gage

(b.) Pressure head in meters of water

𝑃
ℎ=𝛾
𝑤

177.32 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
ℎ= 9.81 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

ℎ = 18.08 m of water

5.) For a gage reading of -17.1 kPa, determine the (a) elevations of the liquids in the
open piezometer columns E, F, G and (b) the deflection of mercury in the U-tube
manometer neglecting the weight of air.
Given:
Gage reading = -17.1 kPa
Column E elevation = 15 m
Column F elevation = 12 m
Column G elevation = 8 m
Mercury elevation = 4 m

Required:
Elevations of the liquids in the open piezometer columns E, F, G
Deflection of mercury in the U-tube manometer neglecting the weight
of air

Solution:

For Column E:
𝑃1 𝑃𝑒
+ ℎ1 (0.7) =
𝛾 𝛾
−17.1
+ ℎ1 (0.7) = 0
9.81
ℎ1 = 2.5 𝑚
Surface elevation = 15 − ℎ1
Surface elevation = 15 − 2.5
Surface elevation = 12.5 m

For Column F:
𝑃1 𝑃𝑓
+ 3(0.7) − ℎ2 (1) =
𝛾 𝛾
 −17.1
+ 2.1 − ℎ2 = 0
9.81
ℎ2 = 0.36 𝑚
Surface elevation = 12 + ℎ2
Surface elevation = 12 + 0.36
Surface elevation = 12.36 m

For Deflection of mercury:

𝑃1 𝑃5
𝛾
+ 3(0.7) + 4 + 4 − ℎ4 (13.6) = 𝛾

−17.1
+ 10.1 − 13.6ℎ4 = 0
9.81
ℎ4 = 0.61 m

For Column G:
𝑃1 𝑃𝑔
+ 3(0.7) + 4(1) − ℎ3 (1.6) =
𝛾 𝛾
−17.1
+ 2.1 + 4 − 1.6ℎ3 = 0
9.81
ℎ3 = 2.72 𝑚
Surface elevation = 8 + ℎ3
Surface elevation = 8 + 2.72
Surface elevation = 10.72 m

Facts/Trivias:
1.) Did you know that scientists frequently use columns of water (or mercury) to
measure pressure or manometric pressure measurement, since for a given fluid,
pressure head is proportional to pressure.
2.) Fun fact! In a negative head situation, the pressure from gravity is insufficient to
provide flow at the outlet and the flow speed at the outlet is usually less than 1
liter/minute.
 Manometer is a simple and inexpensive device for measuring pressure and
pressure difference. A manometer mainly consists of a glass or plastic U-tube
containing one or more fluids such as mercury, water, alcohol, or oil. To keep the size of
the manometer to a manageable level, heavy fluids such as mercury are used if large
pressure differences are anticipated.

Figure 2.6.1 The Basic Manometer

Since the gravitational effects of gasses are negligible, the pressure anywhere in
the tank and at position 1 has the same value. Furthermore, since pressure in a fluid
does not vary in the horizontal direction within a fluid, the pressure at point 2 is the
same as the pressure at point 1, 𝑃2 = 𝑃1 .
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ

Types of Manometer
1. Open Manometer
Open manometer is a tube bent into a U-shape to contain one or more
fluids of different specific gravities. It has an atmospheric surface in one leg and
is capable of measuring gage pressures.
2. Differential Manometer
Differential manometer cannot measure pressure but can measure
pressure difference. Frequently in hydraulic problems, difference in pressure is
more useful information than the pressure itself.

3. Piezometer
The simplest form of open manometer. It is a tube tapped into a wall of a
container or conduit for the purpose of measuring pressure. The fluid in the
container or conduit rises in this tube to form a free surface.

1. A manometer is used to measure the pressure in a tank. The fluid used has a
specific gravity of 0.85, and the manometer column height is 55 cm, as shown in
the figure. If the local atmospheric pressure is 96 kPa, determine the absolute
pressure within the tank.
 Given:
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 96 kPa
S = 0.85
h = 55cm = 0.55m

Required:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠

Solution:
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ
𝑘𝑔 𝑚 1
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 96𝑘𝑃𝑎 + [(0.85)(1000 )(9.8 )(0.55𝑚)( )]
𝑚3 𝑠2 1000
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 100.58 kPa

2. A closed tank contains compressed air and oil (𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 =0.9). A U-tube manometer
using mercury (𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 = 13.6) is connected to the tank as shown. The column
heights are ℎ1 = 36 in, ℎ2 = 6 in, ℎ3 = 9 in. Determine the pressure reading (in
psi) of the gage.
Given:
𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 =0.9
𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 = 13.6
ℎ1 = 36 in
ℎ2 = 6 in
ℎ3 = 9 in

Required:
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒

Solution:
𝑃1 = 𝑃2
𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 + (𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 )(𝛾)(ℎ1 + ℎ2 ) − (𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 )(𝛾)(ℎ3 ) = 0
𝑙𝑏 36 + 6 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑏 9 𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 = −(0.9)(62.4 _3
)( ) + (13.6)(62.4 _3 )( )
𝑓𝑡 12𝑖𝑛/𝑓𝑡 𝑓𝑡 12𝑖𝑛/𝑓𝑡
𝑙𝑏
𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 439.92
𝑓𝑡 _2
439.92 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡 _2
𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 =
144 𝑖𝑛_2 /𝑓𝑡 _2
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 3.06 psi
3. The water in a tank is pressurized by air, and the pressure is measured by a
multifluid manometer as shown in the figure. The tank is located on a mountain at
an altitude of 1400 m where the atmospheric pressure is 85.6 kPa. Determine the
air pressure in the tank if ℎ1 = 0.1 m, ℎ2 = 0.2 m, and ℎ3 = 0.35 m. take the
𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
densities of water, oil, and mercury to be 1000 , 850 , and 13600 ,
𝑚3 𝑚3 𝑚3

respectively.

Given:
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 85.6 kPa
ℎ1 = 0.1 m
ℎ2 = 0.2 m
ℎ3 = 0.35 m
𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1000
𝑚3
𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 850
𝑚3
𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝐻𝑔 = 13600
𝑚3

Required:
𝑃1

Solution:
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 − (𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔)(ℎ1 ) − (𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 )(𝑔)(ℎ2 ) + (𝜌𝐻𝑔 )(𝑔)(ℎ3 )
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝑔[(𝜌𝐻𝑔 )(ℎ3 ) − (𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(ℎ1 ) − (𝜌𝑜𝑖𝑙 )(ℎ2 )]
 𝑚 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝑃1 = 85.6 𝑘𝑃𝑎 + (9.8 𝑠 2 ) [(13600 )(0.35 𝑚) − (1000 )( 0.1 𝑚)
𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑘𝑔 1𝑁 1 𝑘𝑃𝑎
−(850 )(0.2 𝑚)](1 𝑘𝑔 𝑚/𝑠2 )(1000 𝑁/𝑚2 )
𝑚3

𝑃1 = 129.60 kPa

4. The pressure difference between an oil pipe and water pipe is measured by a

double-fluid manometer. For the given fluid heights and specific gravities,

calculate the pressure difference ∆P = 𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴 .

Given:
𝑆𝐺𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1.0
𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 = 13.5
𝑆𝐺𝑔𝑙𝑦 = 1.26
𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 0.88
ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 55 cm = 0.55 m
ℎ𝐻𝑔 = 20 cm = 0.2 m
ℎ𝑔𝑙𝑦 = 42 cm = 0.42 m
ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑙 = 10 cm = 0.1 m
𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 1000
𝑚3
 Required:
𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴

Solution:
𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴 = (𝑆𝐺𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔)(ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ) + (𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 )(𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔)(ℎ𝐻𝑔 )
− (𝑆𝐺𝑔𝑙𝑦 )(𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔)(ℎ𝑔𝑙𝑦 ) + (𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 )(𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔)(ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑙 )

𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴 = (𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(𝑔) [(𝑆𝐺𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 )(ℎ𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ) + (𝑆𝐺𝐻𝑔 )(ℎ𝐻𝑔 ) − (𝑆𝐺𝑔𝑙𝑦 )(ℎ𝑔𝑙𝑦 )

+(𝑆𝐺𝑜𝑖𝑙 )(ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑙 )

𝑘𝑔 𝑚
𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴 = (1000 )(9.8 ) [(1.0)(0.55 𝑚) + (13.5)(0.2 𝑚)
𝑚3 𝑠2
1 𝑘𝑁
− (1.26)(0.42 𝑚) + (0.88)(0.1 𝑚)] ( )
1000 𝑘𝑔 𝑚/𝑠 2

𝑃𝐵 − 𝑃𝐴 = 27.53 kPa

5. In the figure, fluid A is water, fluid B is oil (s = 0.85). Determine the difference in
pressure. Note: h = 68 cm

Given:
𝑆 = 0.85
h = x = 68 cm = 0.68 m
Y = 170 cm = 1.7 m
 Required:
𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑛

Solution:
𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑚 − (9.81 )(1)(𝑧) − (9.81 )(0.85)(0.68 𝑚) + (9.81 )(1)(𝑣) = 𝑃𝑛
𝑚3 𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑘𝑁 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑚 − (9.81 3 )(𝑧) − 5.67018 + (9.81 3 )(𝑣) = 𝑃𝑛
𝑚 𝑚
𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑛 = 5.67018 + 9.81 (𝑧 − 𝑣)

Y+v=x+ z
1.7 m + v = 0.68 m + z
z - v = 1.02 m

𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑛 = 5.67018 + 9.81 (1.02)

𝑃𝑚 − 𝑃𝑛 = 15.68 kPa

Facts/Trivia:
1. A sphygmomanometer, a type of manometer, is commonly used to check blood
pressure in humans. Systolic pressure reading is the mercury reading on the
pressure gauge when the pulse is first heard, while diastolic pressure reading is
when the pulse can no longer be heard.
2. Manometers can be used in the maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems, low pressure pneumatic or gas systems. Also, for
construction of bridges, installing swimming pools and other engineering
applications.