Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsFluid Mechanics
Given the equations P = _ S 0 F S and P₁ - P₂ = g z , which of the following statements applies to an elevator that is accelerating upward?
Options
- ABoth the equations are valid.
- BThe first equation is valid but the second is not.
- CBoth the equations are invalid.
- DThe second equation is valid but the first is not.
Correct answer
B. The first equation is valid but the second is not.
Step-by-step solution
The first equation P = _ S 0 F S represents the fundamental definition of pressure at a point. This definition is independent of the frame of reference and remains valid in an accelerating elevator. The second equation P₁ - P₂ = g z represents the hydrostatic pressure difference in a fluid at rest in an inertial frame. In an elevator accelerating upward with an acceleration a , the effective acceleration due to gravity becomes g_ eff = g + a . The pressure difference in this non-inertial frame is given by P₁ - P₂ =