Final answer:
Plumbing systems include air-filled tubes near water faucets to prevent water hammering by absorbing shock waves. Positive pressure relief valves in other systems release excess pressure to ensure safety. These mechanisms are based on the principles of gas behavior and pressure regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of air-filled tubes near water faucets in plumbing is essential for preventing water hammer, a phenomenon where a shock wave is produced in the pipes, which can damage the plumbing system. These air-filled tubes, often referred to as water hammer arrestors or air chambers, provide a cushion to absorb the shock wave created by the sudden closing of a valve. When a faucet is abruptly turned off, the water flow is halted, creating a surge of pressure (akin to a hammering effect) that travels back through the pipes. The air within these tubes compresses to absorb this surge, thereby protecting the integrity of the piping system.
Positive pressure relief valves, on the other hand, are safety devices used to control and limit the pressure within a system, such as in boilers or pressure vessels, to a safe level. They are designed to open at a predetermined set pressure to allow the excess pressure to escape, and then to close again once normal conditions are restored thereby ensuring the system's safety. These valves are essential in preventing overpressure conditions that could lead to system failures or explosions.
Understanding the behavior of gases, such as in lung volumes and capacities or the blood flow and pressure regulation, can correlate with the principles of how these pressure relief systems work. The P-V diagram of a system, showing pressure versus volume changes, can also provide insights into the work done by the system during expansion or contraction phases, relating to how some relief valves may operate.