Ideal incompressible fluid flows through a 4.0-cm-diameter pipe at 1.0 m/s . There is a 2.0 cm diameter constriction in the line. What is the speed of the fluid in this constriction?
A) 2.0 m/s
B) 0.50 m/s
C) 4.0 m/s
D) 0.25 m/s

Question

Ideal incompressible fluid flows through a  4.0-cm-diameter pipe at  1.0 m/s . There is a  2.0 cm diameter constriction in the line. What is the speed of the fluid in this constriction?
A)  2.0 m/s
B)  0.50 m/s 
C)  4.0 m/s
D)  0.25 m/s

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the principle of continuity for incompressible fluids, the product of cross-sectional area and velocity is constant. The area of the pipe decreases by a factor of 4 when the diameter is halved, so the velocity must increase by a factor of 4, resulting in a speed of 4.0 m/s in the constriction.

Ideal Incompressible Fluid Flows Through a 4