1. What is Gauge Pressure at Water Depth?

Gauge pressure at water depth is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure that results from the weight of water above a certain point. It's an important concept in fluid mechanics and underwater engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gauge pressure formula:

Where:

• \( P_g \) — Gauge pressure (Pascals)
• \( \rho \) — Density of the fluid (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
• \( h \) — Depth below the surface (m)

Explanation: The pressure increases linearly with depth due to the weight of the fluid above the measurement point.

3. Importance of Gauge Pressure Calculation

Details: Calculating gauge pressure is crucial for designing underwater structures, scuba diving safety, hydraulic systems, and understanding fluid behavior in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between gauge pressure and absolute pressure?
A: Gauge pressure is relative to atmospheric pressure, while absolute pressure includes atmospheric pressure. Absolute pressure = Gauge pressure + Atmospheric pressure.

Q2: Does this formula work for all fluids?
A: Yes, but you need to use the correct density value for the specific fluid (e.g., 1000 kg/m³ for fresh water, 1025 kg/m³ for sea water).

Q3: How does pressure change with depth in water?
A: Pressure increases by approximately 9.81 kPa for every meter of depth in fresh water, or about 1 atmosphere for every 10 meters.

Q4: Why is gravity included in the pressure calculation?
A: Gravity determines the weight of the water column above a point, which directly affects the pressure exerted at that depth.

Q5: Can this formula be used for gases?
A: The same principle applies, but gas density changes with pressure, making the calculation more complex than for liquids.