1. What is a Gravity Flow Velocity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the velocity of an object in free fall or fluid flow under gravity based on height and gravitational acceleration.

Purpose: It helps engineers, physicists, and students determine flow velocity in various applications like hydraulics, plumbing, and physics experiments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Torricelli's formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Flow velocity (meters/second)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth)
• \( h \) — Height or head (meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the theoretical maximum velocity an object reaches when falling freely from height h under gravity g.

3. Importance of Flow Velocity Calculation

Details: Accurate velocity calculations are crucial for designing drainage systems, water supply networks, and understanding fluid dynamics in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the height in meters and gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s² for Earth). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters for height and m/s² for gravity. For other units, convert them first.

Q2: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, this is the theoretical maximum velocity without considering friction or air resistance.

Q3: Can I use this for other planets?
A: Yes, just change the gravity value to match the celestial body (3.71 m/s² for Mars, 1.62 m/s² for Moon).

Q4: What's the practical application?
A: Useful for calculating water velocity from tanks, designing spillways, or determining impact velocity of falling objects.

Q5: Is this the same as terminal velocity?
A: No, terminal velocity includes air resistance and is typically lower than this theoretical maximum.