How do I calculate the hydrostatic pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure originates from the weight of the liquid. At a certain point in the liquid, the hydrostatic pressure is going to be equal to the weight of the liquid above the examined point.  So in order to calculate it first, we need to calculate the weight of the liquid which creates the pressure. To calculate the weight we need to know the mass of the liquid. This can be found by the following formula:

m= ρ * h

where ρ is the density of the fluid and h is the height of the fluid above the examined point. 

If we multiply this by g we find the weight of the fluid which equals the hydrostatic pressure:

P= ρ hg

To find the absolute pressure at the point we have to add up the atmospheric pressure (pressure above the fluid) and the hydrostatic pressure.

Pabs=P+Patm.

Answered by Barnabas G. Physics tutor

4410 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A gold leaf electroscope with a zinc plate top is charged by briefly connecting it to the negative electrode of a high-voltage supply. Explain how the gold leaf will appear and how the leaf can be caused to drop again.


What is the difference between accuracy and precision?


Derive Keplers 3rd law


Calculate the kinetic energy of a car of mass 1.0*10^3kg moving at speed of 20ms^-1.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences