Water Properties and Systems Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the specific gravity of water commonly assumed to be?

1.5

1.0 (correct)

0.8

1.2

Substances with a specific gravity of more than 1.0 will behave how in water?

They will float on water.

They will evaporate.

They will dissolve in water.

They will sink in water. (correct)

How is volume commonly expressed in plumbing system design?

Gallons (correct)

Cubic feet

Cubic meters

Liters

What is the formula for calculating volumetric flow rate (Q)?

Q = Volume / Time Signup and view all the answers

Velocity in a fluidic system is expressed as what kind of velocity?

Average velocity Signup and view all the answers

What does pressure (P) represent in a fluid context?

Force per unit area Signup and view all the answers

What unit is commonly used in the plumbing industry to measure pressure?

Pounds per square inch (psi) Signup and view all the answers

How many gallons are there in one cubic foot?

7.48 gallons Signup and view all the answers

What is gauge pressure (Pg)?

The pressure of a fluid excluding atmospheric pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between absolute pressure (Pa), gauge pressure (Pg), and atmospheric pressure (Ps)?

Pa = Pg + Ps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines potable water?

Clean water suitable for drinking and cooking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a use for nonpotable water?

Cooking food Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of surface water?

Fresh water located in rivers and lakes Signup and view all the answers

What describes groundwater?

Water captured in aquifers below the surface Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'water table' refer to?

The top level of groundwater Signup and view all the answers

What is an artesian well?

A well where groundwater is forced upward under its own pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a reservoir in a water collection system?

To hold surface water during periods of high runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of a watershed?

It is the area from which water flows to a particular body of water. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's water is primarily non-drinkable due to being in oceans?

97 percent Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is treatment of water typically not necessary?

When nonpotable water is used Signup and view all the answers

How is rainwater typically collected for use in buildings?

Through roofing systems that drain into a tank Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for treating surface water before it is made potable?

To ensure it meets safety and health standards Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of water for large cities and industries?

Surface water from nearby lakes and rivers Signup and view all the answers

What happens to most of the remaining freshwater after accounting for oceans and ice caps?

It resides in rivers, lakes, and the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the building main in a domestic water supply system?

It acts as the principal artery of the water supply system. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the building main typically located?

In the basement or crawl space. Signup and view all the answers

What is a riser in a water supply system?

A vertical water supply pipe extending through the building. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a fixture branch in the water supply system?

It supplies water to individual plumbing fixtures. Signup and view all the answers

What connects the fixture branch to individual plumbing fixtures?

Fixture connection. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically true about the water service pipe?

It connects the building plumbing system to the public water main. Signup and view all the answers

Where can a fixture branch usually be installed?

In the floor or wall behind fixtures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the water meter in a water service lateral?

To measure water consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What is hydrostatic pressure directly proportional to?

The depth below the surface of the fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical acceptable range for water pressure at the service entrance in plumbing systems?

40 to 80 psi Signup and view all the answers

What causes fluid flow in a plumbing system?

Pressure difference Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum required residual water pressure for a flush tank fixture?

8 psi Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water pressure as it flows through plumbing pipes?

It can decrease due to friction loss Signup and view all the answers

In a gravity plumbing system, how is hydrostatic pressure affected by gravity?

It decreases with height Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect hydrostatic pressure in a fluid?

Shape of the container Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum acceptable water pressure in most residential plumbing systems?

80 psi Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Properties of Water

Specific gravity of water is assumed to be 1.0, allowing it to float on pure water.
Substances with specific gravity greater than 1.0 are denser than water and will sink.

Fundamental Units of Water Systems

Volume (V): Amount of space occupied by a substance, often measured in gallons (g or gal).
1 cubic foot (ft³) equals 7.48 gallons; 1 gallon is approximately 3.8 liters.
Volumetric Flow Rate (Q): Volume passing a point per time, calculated as ( Q = \frac{Volume}{time} ) (commonly in m³/s or gpm).
Velocity (v): Rate of linear motion; average velocity of water is used due to varying speeds of water molecules.
Pressure (P): Force per unit area from a liquid or gas; commonly measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Standard atmospheric pressure is approximately 14.696 psi at sea level (101,325 Pa).

Domestic Water Supply Systems

Building Main: Primary water supply pipe running through the building, often located in basements or ceilings.
Riser: Vertical pipe extending at least one story, connecting to fixture branches to supply water to fixtures.
Fixture Branch: Pipe that runs from the riser or main to individual fixtures, either in walls or floors.
Fixture Connection: Pipe connecting the fixture branch to the fixture, usually including a shut-off valve.

General Water Distribution System

Water Service Pipe: Underground pipe (lateral) delivering pressurized potable water from the street main to the building.
Water Meter: Device measuring consumption connected to the water service lateral.

Water Supply Considerations

Potable Water: Clean water suitable for drinking, cooking, and cleaning; vital for human survival.
Nonpotable Water: Water unsuitable for drinking (e.g., used for flushing toilets, irrigation).
Surface Water: Freshwater found in rivers, lakes, swamps, and reservoirs; does not infiltrate to become groundwater.
Groundwater: Water trapped in sediment and rock; can be accessed from various depths through aquifers.
Aquifers and Wells: Layers of groundwater; artesian wells force groundwater to the surface.

Water Collection and Treatment

Watershed: Land area where water flows towards a common body, consisting of tributaries leading to larger bodies of water.
Reservoirs: Hold surface water for use during periods of high runoff; treated to provide potable water.
Cistern: Storage tank collecting rainwater, typically from roofs, that is pumped into building supply lines.

Water Pressure Dynamics

Hydrostatic Pressure: Force exerted by fluid weight against container walls; pressure is directly proportional to fluid depth.
Pressure loss in plumbing systems occurs due to friction and changes in elevation.
Acceptable water pressure at service points ranges from 40 to 80 psi (275 to 550 kPa); pressure drops are common as water moves through pipes.
Minimum pressure requirements for plumbing fixtures are specified by code, typically requiring 8 psi (55 kPa) for flush tanks.

Fluid Flow Principles

Fluid flows from regions of higher pressure to lower pressure, driven by pressure differences.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the properties of water and fundamental units in water systems. This quiz covers concepts such as specific gravity, volumetric flow rate, and pressure measurements. Ideal for students studying environmental science or engineering.