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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Water flows in a pipe that narrows from diameter 4 cm to 2 cm. If water enters at 1 m/s, what is the speed in the narrow section?

Answer: 4 m/s.

  • A 4 m/s
  • B 0.25 m/s
  • C 2 m/s
  • D 1 m/s

Correct answer: A. 4 m/s

Explanation: A<sub>1</sub> v<sub>1</sub> = A<sub>2</sub> v<sub>2</sub>. A ∝ d². (4²)(1) = (2²)(v<sub>2</sub>). 16 = 4 v<sub>2</sub>. v<sub>2</sub> = 4 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 →