A column of water 1"x1"x24" high exerts how much psi?

To determine how much pressure a column of water exerts in psi (pounds per square inch), you can use the formula that relates the height of the water column to the pressure it exerts. The pressure exerted by a column of water is given by the formula:

Pressure (psi) = Height (ft) x Density of water (lbs/ft³) / 144

In this case, the height of the water column is 24 inches. First, convert this height into feet:

24 inches = 2 feet.

The density of water is approximately 62.4 lbs/ft³. Applying the values to the formula gives:

Pressure (psi) = 2 ft x 62.4 lbs/ft³ / 144.

Calculating this results in approximately 0.86667 psi. When rounded, this value corresponds closely to 0.868 psi, making it the correct answer.

Understanding this principle is crucial in hydrology and engineering contexts, as it demonstrates how the height of a water column directly influences the pressure at the base, which can be vital in applications like water supply systems, irrigation, and any operation involving water head pressure.