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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Water flows through a horizontal pipe of cross-section 6 cm<sup>2</sup> at 2 m/s. Where the pipe narrows to 1.5 cm<sup>2</sup>, the flow speed becomes:

Answer: 8 m/s.

  • A 4 m/s
  • B 8 m/s
  • C 6 m/s
  • D 12 m/s

Correct answer: B. 8 m/s

Explanation: By continuity A<sub>1</sub>v<sub>1</sub> = A<sub>2</sub>v<sub>2</sub>: v<sub>2</sub> = 6 &times; 2/1.5 = 8 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 →