Water is supplied to a hostel through a horizontal pipeline that suddenly narrows…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Mechanical Properties of Fluids · Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Problem

Water is supplied to a hostel through a horizontal pipeline that suddenly narrows near the building. (i) The pipe has an internal diameter of

10\,\text{cm}

for most of its length but reduces to

5\,\text{cm}

over the last

4\,\text{m}

. If the volume flow rate is

3.0\times10^{-3}\,\text{m}^3\!\,\text{s}^{-1}

, calculate the average speed of water in each section of the pipe. (ii) Engineers know that for water in smooth pipes turbulence usually sets in when the speed exceeds about

1\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1}

in a

10\,\text{cm}

diameter pipe. Using your answers from part (i), predict whether the flow in each section is likely to be streamline or turbulent. (iii) State one practical consequence for the water supply system if the flow in the narrower section becomes fully turbulent.

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