Blood flows through an artery that has a narrowing of its diameter by 15% due to clogging. How does the speed of blood change in the area with the constricted cross-section?
A)The speed increases by 1.38 times.
B)The speed decreases by 1.38 times.
C)The speed increases by 0.76 times.
D)The speed decreases by 0.76 times.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of blood increases in the narrowed section because the volume flow rate must remain constant throughout the artery. According to the principle of continuity, if the cross-sectional area decreases, the velocity must increase to maintain a constant flow rate. A 15% decrease in diameter leads to a decrease in the cross-sectional area, necessitating an increase in speed. The exact factor of increase depends on the specifics of the narrowing, but the principle dictates that the speed must increase, not decrease or stay the same.

Blood Flows Through an Artery That Has a Narrowing of Its