1. What is Gauge Pressure?

Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. It represents the difference between absolute pressure and atmospheric pressure. In fluid mechanics, gauge pressure at a depth in a fluid is calculated using the formula P_g = ρgh, where ρ is the fluid density, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is the depth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pressure formula:

Where:

• \( P_g \) — Gauge pressure (Pascals)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( h \) — Depth (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the pressure exerted by a column of fluid at a specific depth, not including atmospheric pressure.

3. Importance of Pressure Calculation

Details: Calculating pressure at depth is crucial for engineering applications, scuba diving, hydraulic systems, and understanding fluid behavior in various containers and natural bodies of water.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³ (1000 for water), gravitational acceleration in m/s² (9.81 on Earth), and depth in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure?
A: Gauge pressure is measured relative to atmospheric pressure, while absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum. Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + Atmospheric pressure.

Q2: Why is water density typically 1000 kg/m³?
A: Pure water at 4°C has a density of exactly 1000 kg/m³, which is often used as a standard reference value for calculations.

Q3: Does this formula work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the formula P = ρgh works for any fluid, but you must use the correct density value for the specific fluid you're calculating for.

Q4: How does pressure change with depth?
A: Pressure increases linearly with depth in an incompressible fluid. For every meter of depth, pressure increases by ρg Pascals.

Q5: What are typical applications of this calculation?
A: This calculation is used in designing dams, submarines, water towers, hydraulic systems, and in understanding blood pressure in medical contexts.