Physics Fluid Dynamics MDCAT 2000
PMDC Verified Question 37 of 37
The flow speed of a fluid through a horizontal pipe increases from \( 1.0 \text{ m/s} \) to \( 3.0 \text{ m/s} \). If the density of the fluid is \( 1000 \text{ kg/m}^3 \), what is the pressure difference between these two points?
A
\( 1000 \text{ N/m}^2 \)
B
\( 4000 \text{ N/m}^2 \)
C
\( 8000 \text{ N/m}^2 \)
D
\( 9000 \text{ N/m}^2 \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: \( 4000 \text{ N/m}^2 \)
Concept:

For a horizontal pipe, the potential energy term (\( \rho g h \)) in Bernoulli's equation is zero, leaving only pressure and kinetic energy.

Formula:

$$ P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 \implies \Delta P = P_1 - P_2 = \frac{1}{2}\rho (v_2^2 - v_1^2) $$

Solution:

  • We have \( \rho = 1000 \text{ kg/m}^3 \), \( v_1 = 1.0 \text{ m/s} \), \( v_2 = 3.0 \text{ m/s} \).
  • Calculate the difference in the squares of the speeds: \( (3.0)^2 - (1.0)^2 = 9 - 1 = 8 \text{ m}^2/\text{s}^2 \).
  • Multiply by half the density: \( \Delta P = \frac{1}{2} \times 1000 \times 8 \).
  • \( \Delta P = 500 \times 8 = 4000 \text{ N/m}^2 \).


Why other options are incorrect:

Calculating \( (v_2 - v_1)^2 \) instead of \( (v_2^2 - v_1^2) \) gives \( (3-1)^2 = 4 \), leading to 2000. Forgetting the \( 1/2 \) multiplier leads to 8000.

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