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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Water flows through a pipe whose cross-sectional area changes from 4A to A. The ratio of speeds in the wide to the narrow section is:

Answer: 1:4.

  • A 4:1
  • B 1:4
  • C 2:1
  • D 1:2

Correct answer: B. 1:4

Explanation: By continuity A₁v₁ = A₂v₂, so v<sub>wide</sub>/v<sub>narrow</sub> = A<sub>narrow</sub>/A<sub>wide</sub> = 1/4.

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 →