Physics Fluid Dynamics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 33 of 37
Water flows smoothly in a streamline motion through a horizontal tube. At point A, the pressure is \( P \) and the flow velocity is \( v \). At point B, the pressure drops to \( P/2 \). If the density of water is \( \rho \), what is the flow velocity at point B?
A
\( \sqrt{v^2 - P/\rho} \)
B
\( \sqrt{v^2 + P/\rho} \)
C
\( \sqrt{v^2 + 2P/\rho} \)
D
\( \sqrt{v^2 - 2P/\rho} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: \( \sqrt{v^2 + P/\rho} \)
Concept:

For a horizontal flow, Bernoulli's equation shows that a decrease in fluid pressure must strictly correlate with a corresponding increase in kinetic energy (velocity).

Formula:

$$ P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 $$

Solution:

  • Set \( P_1 = P \), \( v_1 = v \), and \( P_2 = P/2 \). Let \( v_2 \) be the unknown velocity.
  • \( P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 = \frac{P}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 \).
  • Subtract \( P/2 \) from both sides: \( \frac{P}{2} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 = \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 \).
  • Multiply the entire equation by 2 to clear fractions: \( P + \rho v^2 = \rho v_2^2 \).
  • Divide by \( \rho \): \( \frac{P}{\rho} + v^2 = v_2^2 \).
  • Take the square root: \( v_2 = \sqrt{v^2 + P/\rho} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

Option A suggests velocity decreases when pressure drops, violating energy conservation. Options C and D result from improperly handling the \( 1/2 \) multipliers.

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