Why is water not compressible?
When you are doing things in science and engineering, often calculations can be easier when you make simplifying assumptions. For water, if you increase the pressure to 100 times "normal" pressure (atmospheric pressure) its size will only change a small amount ( < 1%). That means if you ever h…
The Short Answer
When you are doing things in science and engineering, often calculations can be easier when you make simplifying assumptions. For water, if you increase the pressure to 100 times "normal" pressure (atmospheric pressure) its size will only change a small amount ( < 1%). That means if you ever have to do calculations with water operating under pressure, you can assume it *doesn't change size at all* and your calculations will still be within 1% (fine for most practical applications). Now if you are working with something like a gas (imagine a balloon) it is not so simple. If you increase the pressure, the size changes *a lot*. Doubling the pressure on a balloon, will it shrink to half its size! For these things (compressible things) you have to figure this into your calculations or they will be way off.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Pressure, calculations, size
This explanation focuses on pressure, calculations, size and spans 137 words across 7 sentences. At 111% above the average Everyday Life explanation (65 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “When you are doing things in science and engineering, often calculations can be easier when you make simplifying assumpt” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Everyday Life
Ranked #37 of 500 Everyday Life questions by answer depth (top 8%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why water not compressible?
When you are doing things in science and engineering, often calculations can be easier when you make simplifying assumptions. For water, if you increase the pressure to 100 times "normal" pressure (atmospheric pressure) its size will only change a…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Everyday Life questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 137 words, ranked #37 of 500 Everyday Life questions by depth. The key concepts covered are pressure, calculations, size.
What approach does this answer take to explain water not compressible?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 137 words. It is categorized under Everyday Life and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.