Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure (pronounced: hy·dro·stat·ic pres·sure, /ˌhīdrəˈstadik ˈpreSHər/) is a term used in Physics and Fluid Mechanics to describe the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium due to the force of gravity.
Etymology
The term 'Hydrostatic Pressure' is derived from the Greek words 'Hydro' meaning water, and 'Static' meaning stationary. It was first used in the field of Physics to describe the pressure exerted by a stationary fluid.
Definition
Hydrostatic pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to gravity. It increases in proportion to depth measured from the surface because of the increasing weight of fluid exerting downward force from above.
Formula
The formula for calculating hydrostatic pressure is P = ρgh, where:
- P is the hydrostatic pressure
- ρ is the fluid density
- g is the acceleration due to gravity
- h is the height of the fluid column above the point in question
Related Terms
- Fluid Dynamics: The study of how fluids behave when they're in motion.
- Pascal's Principle: A principle in fluid mechanics that states that a change in pressure at any point in an enclosed fluid at rest is transmitted undiminished to all points in the fluid.
- Pressure: The force exerted per unit area.
- Gravity: The force that attracts a body towards the centre of the earth, or towards any other physical body having mass.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrostatic pressure
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrostatic pressure
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