/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Is there a pressure variation (i... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 4: Problem 20

Is there a pressure variation (increase with depth) in a fuel tank on a spacecraft in orbit? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
If so, what is the reason behind it? Answer: No, there is no pressure variation with depth in a fuel tank of a spacecraft in orbit. This is due to the microgravity environment experienced by the spacecraft, causing the fuel to be essentially weightless and eliminating the pressure gradient that would exist under Earth's gravity.

Step by step solution

01

1. Understanding pressure in a fluid

Pressure in a fluid at rest is a result of the force exerted by the fluid on a certain area. As you go deeper into the fluid, the pressure increases due to the increasing weight of the fluid above it, which exerts a force onto the deeper fluid. This pressure variation is mainly due to gravity acting on the fluid.
02

2. Considering the spacecraft in orbit

A spacecraft in orbit is in a state of free-fall, experiencing microgravity, which is essentially a continuous state of free-fall towards Earth. In this state, the spacecraft and everything inside it (including the fuel tank and Fuel) are falling towards Earth at the same rate. This means that the force of gravity is not acting on the fuel in the same way it would on Earth.
03

3. Microgravity and pressure distribution inside the fuel tank

Due to the microgravity experienced by the spacecraft and its contents, the fuel inside the tank is essentially experiencing weightlessness. This means that, unlike on Earth where the pressure increases with depth in a fluid, there isn't a significant pressure gradient within the fuel tank. In microgravity, the pressure distribution is relatively uniform, and there is no pressure variation with depth.
04

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no pressure variation with depth in a fuel tank in a spacecraft in orbit. This is due to the unique conditions experienced by the spacecraft and its contents in microgravity, which makes the fuel essentially weightless and eliminates the pressure gradient that would exist on Earth.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

If Earth's atmosphere warmed up and expanded to a larger total volume but its total mass did not change, would this affect the atmospheric pressure at sea level? Would this affect the pressure at the top of Mount Everest? Explain.

Suppose you are in the International Space Station in orbit around Earth and a fellow astronaut gives you what appears to be an inflated balloon. Describe how you could determine whether the balloon contains a gas, a liquid, or a solid.

The way pressure increases with depth in a gas is different from the way it does in a liquid. Why?

Explain why a smoothly flowing stream of water from a faucet often gets progressively narrower in cross-section as the water falls (see o Figure 4.52).

When two trains, going in opposite directions, are passing on tracks that are laid out close together, the train cars can often be seen to be leaning in toward one another where they are in proximity. How might the air passing through the narrow gap separating the two trains contribute to the observed attraction between their cars?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Medical Physics

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Physics of Motion

Read Explanation

Oscillations

Read Explanation

Radiation

Read Explanation

Turning Points in Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.