AP Physics 2

Advanced Placement Physics 2 focusing on fluids, thermodynamics, and modern physics.

Advanced Topics

Fluid Dynamics: Bernoulli’s Principle and Applications

The Magic of Moving Fluids

Fluid dynamics studies fluids in motion. One of the most important concepts is Bernoulli’s Principle, which relates a fluid’s speed, pressure, and potential energy.

Bernoulli’s Equation

For incompressible, non-viscous fluids, the equation is:

\[ P + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant} \]

This means that where the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases, and vice versa.

Everyday Examples

  • Airplane wings are shaped to make air move faster over the top, reducing pressure and creating lift.
  • Spray bottles use fast-moving air to draw up and disperse liquid.

Real-World Connections

Bernoulli’s principle is used in designing aircraft, predicting weather patterns, and even explaining how soccer balls curve in flight.

Key Formula

\[P + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant}\]

Examples

  • An airplane wing generates lift using pressure differences.

  • A fast-flowing river has lower pressure at the surface than slow-moving water.

In a Nutshell

Bernoulli’s Principle connects speed and pressure in moving fluids, with broad engineering and scientific applications.

Key Terms

Bernoulli’s Principle
The relationship between pressure, velocity, and height in a moving fluid.
Lift
The upward force produced by pressure differences on a wing.