💧 Mechanical Properties of Fluids

1. Pressure and Pascal's Law

Fluids (liquids and gases) flow because they cannot withstand shearing stress. Pressure = Normal Force / Area.

💧 Pascal's Law

Pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and the walls of the containing vessel. (Applications: Hydraulic lift, hydraulic brakes).

Pressure due to a fluid column: P = hρg (where h is depth, ρ is density, g is gravity).

2. Archimedes' Principle & Buoyancy

When a body is partially or fully immersed in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.

3. Fluid Dynamics

Equation of Continuity: For steady, incompressible flow, the mass flow rate is constant. A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (Av = constant).

Bernoulli's Principle P + ½ρv² + ρgh = Constant

States that for a streamlined flow of an ideal fluid, the sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy per unit volume is constant. (Applications: Venturi-meter, aerodynamic lift of an airplane).

4. Viscosity and Stokes' Law

Viscosity is the internal friction between fluid layers. According to Stokes' Law, the viscous drag force on a spherical body falling through a fluid is F = 6πηrv.

5. Surface Tension

The property of a liquid surface to shrink to the minimum possible surface area. Causes spherical drops.

Capillary Action: The rise or fall of a liquid in a narrow tube. Ascent formula: h = (2T cosθ) / (rρg).