The pressure, P, in pounds per square inch (psi) exerted on an object x ft below the sea is given by the equation P = 14.70 + 0.43x. The 14.70 represents the weight in pounds of the column of air (from sea level to the top of the atmosphere) standing over a 1 in. by 1 in. square of seawater. The 0.43x represents the weight in pounds of a column of water 1 in. by 1 in. by x ft (see Fig. 6.1). 

(a) A submarine is built to withstand a pressure of 148 psi. How deep can that submarine go?

(b) If the pressure gauge in the submarine registers a pres-sure of 128.65 psi, how deep is the submarine?

Figure 6.1

Transcribed Image Text:

This column of air weighs 14.70 lb This column of water x ft weighs 0.43x lb 1 in. by 1 in. square