Water flows steadily through a horizontal pipe that narrows from a cross-sectional…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Mechanical Properties of Fluids · Mechanical Properties of Fluids
Problem
Water flows steadily through a horizontal pipe that narrows from a cross-sectional area of 4.0cm2 at section 1 to 1.0cm2 at section 2. The fluid is incompressible and the temperature of the water remains constant.
(a) Describe qualitatively how the speed of the water at section 2 compares with the speed at section 1. In your answer, identify the physical principle that requires this relationship.
(b) Explain how the volume flow rate is related to the mass flow rate for an incompressible fluid. In your explanation, state which quantities must remain constant as the water travels from section 1 to section 2.
(c) Suppose a small increase in water temperature slightly decreases its density while the pressure difference driving the flow remains the same. Explain qualitatively how this change would affect (i) the mass flow rate and (ii) the volume flow rate through the pipe.