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Which of the following statements about water pressure is MOST accurate?

A. Gravity has little effect on nozzle pressure.
B. If the nozzle is above the fire pump, nozzle pressure is decreased.
C. If the nozzle is below the fire pump, nozzle pressure is decreased.
D. Adjusting pump pressure has little effect in overcoming elevation loss/gain.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The most accurate statement about water pressure and nozzle pressure is that if the nozzle is above the fire pump, the nozzle pressure is decreased due to elevation and the Bernoulli effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement about water pressure as it relates to nozzle pressure in firefighting is B. If the nozzle is above the fire pump, nozzle pressure is decreased. This occurs because the water must travel uphill, which, according to gravity, requires energy and therefore reduces pressure. The principle that explains why water pressure inside a hose nozzle can be less than atmospheric pressure is known as the Bernoulli effect. As the water speed increases when it passes through a nozzle, its pressure decreases relative to the pressure at ground level or the fire pump. Even with decreased pressure, the water can still exert a large force when it strikes a surface due to its kinetic energy. Adjusting pump pressure can significantly affect the ability to overcome elevation losses or gains, and gravity always significantly influences water movement in a fire hose.

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