The radius of a pipe is doubled. The velocity of the fluid inside the pipe will
A) increase by a factor of 2.
B) decrease by a factor of 2.
C) decrease by a factor of 4.
D) decrease by a factor of 8.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the continuity equation, the product of the cross-sectional area of a pipe and the velocity of the fluid flowing through it remains constant (A1V1 = A2V2). When the radius is doubled, the area (πr^2) increases by a factor of 4. To maintain the same flow rate, the velocity must decrease by a factor of 4.

The Radius of a Pipe Is Doubled