AP Physics: Fluid Dynamics

Front

What is fluid dynamics?

Back

Fluid dynamics is the study of the behavior of fluids (liquids and gases) in motion and the forces acting on them.

Front

What is Bernoulli's principle?

Back

Bernoulli's principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy.

Front

What is the continuity equation in fluid dynamics?

Back

The continuity equation states that for an incompressible fluid, the mass flow rate must remain constant from one cross-section of a pipe to another.

Front

What happens to fluid speed when it flows from a narrow section to a wider section of a pipe?

Back

The fluid speed decreases as it flows into the wider section due to the conservation of mass.

Front

What is the relationship between pressure and fluid speed according to Bernoulli's principle?

Back

As the speed of a fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases.

Front

What is the definition of viscosity?

Back

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow or deformation.

Front

How does air pressure change with altitude?

Back

Air pressure decreases with increasing altitude due to the decreasing weight of the air above.

Front

What is the effect of a hurricane on indoor and outdoor air pressure?

Back

During a hurricane, the air pressure outside a home is lower than inside, causing potential outward pressure on windows.

Front

What is the significance of the small opening in a hose nozzle?

Back

A small opening increases the fluid speed, allowing water to spray farther due to the conservation of energy.

Front

What is laminar flow?

Back

Laminar flow is a smooth, orderly flow of fluid in parallel layers, with minimal disruption between them.