Zaymiey

⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Blood flows in an artery of diameter 4 mm with speed 0.4 m/s. If the artery narrows to 2 mm diameter, the speed becomes:

Answer: 1.6 m/s.

  • A 1.6 m/s
  • B 0.1 m/s
  • C 0.8 m/s
  • D 6.4 m/s

Correct answer: A. 1.6 m/s

Explanation: A<sub>1</sub> v<sub>1</sub> = A<sub>2</sub> v<sub>2</sub>. π(2mm)² × 0.4 = π(1mm)² × v<sub>2</sub>. v<sub>2</sub> = 0.4 × (2/1)² = 0.4 × 4 = 1.6 m/s.

Continuity Equation: Narrow Pipe → Faster FlowA₁, v₁ (wide, slow)A₂, v₂ (narrow, fast)A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (continuity)Smaller area → higher speed → (by Bernoulli) LOWER pressure

Since the same volume of fluid must pass every cross-section per second (continuity), the fluid speeds up where the pipe narrows; Bernoulli's equation then says this faster-moving fluid has lower pressure - the principle behind a venturi meter and an aircraft wing's lift.

Concept context

Pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli equation, viscosity, and surface tension.

Read the full Mechanical Properties of Fluids notes →