Problem 2 Solution
Question: What is the hydraulic head at the point in the column shown below?
a) 1 ft
b) 2 ft
c) 3 ft
d) 4 ft
e) 5 ft
Solution: The correct answer is 5 ft, because the hydraulic head everywhere in the static water column is equal to the elevation of the water surface. The head is not 1 ft, because hydraulic head is not equal to the height above the base of the water column. The head is not 2 ft, because hydraulic head in the water column is not equal to the elevation of the point of measurement. The hydraulic head is not 3 ft, because hydraulic head is not equal to the height of the water column above the point of measurement. The hydraulic head is not 4 ft, because hydraulic head does not represent the total height of the water column above the point of measurement.
