Hidroestática

Hidroestática is the branch of fluid mechanics that studies fluids at rest. It investigates the properties of liquids and gases that are not in motion and the forces exerted by these stationary fluids. Key concepts in hidroestática include pressure, density, and buoyancy.

Pressure in a fluid at rest is defined as the force per unit area exerted by the fluid. It acts perpendicular to any surface it contacts and increases with depth. This is often described by the hydrostatic pressure formula, P = ρgh, where P is the pressure, ρ is the fluid density, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the depth.

Density, a measure of mass per unit volume, is crucial for understanding how fluids behave under pressure and gravity. Buoyancy, on the other hand, refers to the upward force exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object. This force, known as the buoyant force, is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object, as stated by Archimedes' principle.

Hidroestática has numerous practical applications, including the design of dams, submarines, and hydraulic systems. It also explains phenomena like why ships float and how atmospheric pressure changes with altitude. The principles of hidroestática are fundamental to many areas of physics and engineering.