How high can a column of water be supported by one pound per square inch of pressure?

The correct answer is 2.31 feet. This value is derived from the principle that a pressure of one pound per square inch (psi) can support a column of water to a specific height, which can be calculated using the relationship between pressure, height, and the density of water.

Water has a density of approximately 62.4 pounds per cubic foot. To determine how high a column of water can be supported by 1 psi, we use the formula:

Height (in feet) = Pressure (psi) / (Weight of water per cubic foot)

Substituting the values, when we have 1 psi of pressure, the height can be calculated as:

Height = 1 psi / (62.4 lbs/ft³) = 1 / 62.4 cubic feet per pound

Since 1 psi is equivalent to 2.31 feet of water column height, this means that a pressure of 1 psi can support a column of water that is 2.31 feet tall. This relationship is foundational in hydraulics and water distribution systems, as it helps to understand how pressure changes can affect water height in tanks, pipes, and other infrastructure. Knowing this allows water distribution professionals to effectively design and manage systems