Chapter 12

L 3 Fluids in motion
Fluids in Motion

 When the opening of a hose is made smaller with a nozzle or a thumb, the
velocity of flow increases (see figure below).

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Fluids in Motion

 This increase in speed illustrates what is referred to as

the equation of continuity.
 The equation of continuity states that if the cross-
sectional area through which a fluid flows is reduced, the
speed of the fluid increases.

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Fluids in Motion

 That is,
cross-sectional area 1 x velocity 1 =
cross-sectional area 2 x velocity 2
or
A1v1 = A2v2

 The figure below illustrates the increase in velocity due

to the narrowing of a pipe.
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Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Fluids in Motion

© 2014
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
 Bernoulli’s Principle

As the velocity of a fluid

increases, the pressure exerted
by the fluid decreases
Practical applications of Bernoulli's principle include:
• The lift provided by the flow over the top of
an airplane wing
• The modification of roof design to prevent
high-speed winds from lifting roofs off
houses
• The natural air conditioning provided by the
design of a prairie dog burrow. A burrow
typically has a high mound and a low mound.
Greater air speed over the higher mound
reduces the pressure over the higher
mound. The difference in pressure causes
air to be drawn through the burrow.
Fluids in Motion

 Real fluids also exhibit surface tension, the force that tries to minimize the
surface area of a fluid.
 It is surface tension that makes the surface of water behave like an elastic
sheet.
 Surface tension enables some insects to walk on the surface of a pond (see
figure below).

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Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Fluids in Motion

 Even a needle or razor blade can be supported by surface tension if it is put

into place gently.

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Pearson
Education,
Inc.