Fluids Study Session 4/21/25

Front

What is the principle of buoyancy?

Back

The principle of buoyancy states that an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Front

Define density.

Back

Density is defined as mass per unit volume, typically expressed in kg/m³.

Front

What is the relationship between pressure and depth in a fluid?

Back

In a fluid at rest, pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the fluid above. The pressure at a depth 'h' is given by P = P0 + ρgh, where P0 is the surface pressure, ρ is the fluid density, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

What is Pascal's principle?

Back

Pascal's principle states that a change in pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the fluid and to the walls of its container.

Front

Explain the concept of fluid flow continuity.

Back

The principle of continuity states that for an incompressible fluid, the mass flow rate must remain constant from one cross-section of a pipe to another. This means A1v1 = A2v2, where A is the cross-sectional area and v is the fluid velocity.

Front

What is the equation of continuity?

Back

The equation of continuity for incompressible fluids is A1v1 = A2v2, where A1 and A2 are the cross-sectional areas at two points in a pipe, and v1 and v2 are the fluid velocities at those points.

Front

Define hydrostatic pressure.

Back

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the weight of the fluid above it, calculated as P = ρgh.

Front

What is the significance of the U-tube in fluid mechanics?

Back

A U-tube is used to demonstrate the principles of hydrostatic pressure and fluid equilibrium, showing how different fluid densities affect the height of fluids in the two arms.

Front

What is Bernoulli's equation?

Back

Bernoulli's equation relates the pressure, velocity, and height in a flowing fluid: P + 0.5ρv² + ρgh = constant.

Front

Explain the concept of laminar vs. turbulent flow.

Back

Laminar flow is smooth and orderly, with fluid particles moving in parallel layers, while turbulent flow is chaotic and characterized by eddies and vortices.