March 3 2022
Natasha
Science
Characteristics of Fluids Notes
What is a fluid?
A fluid is a condition of matter, such as a liquid or a gas, in which the constituent components (usually
molecules) freely pass through one another. Fluids flow readily and adapt to their containers' shapes.
Identifying a fluid and or what are its properties are:
- Fluids do not have a definite shape of their own.
- Liquids are a type of fluid
- Liquids have a defined volume that does not change. Ex. moving 20L of water will not
change if it is in another container (representing defined volume)
- Gases are fluids and will completely fill any empty space they are placed in.
- Gases may not have definite shape and or volume however may have properties such as smell.
- Fluids have a viscosity
- The particles according to the particle theory of matter state that in fluids, particles are
constantly moving and the force of attraction is less than solids therefore are fluids.
- Fluids have the ability to flow.
- This is because the particles of liquids and gases are free to move
- Solids are not fluids because they have some sort of defining shape whereas fluids do not.
Flows of Fluids:
There are 2 main flow patterns when it comes to fluids. They are Laminar flow and Turbulent flow.
Laminar flow:
- A smooth pattern of flow
- No disruption between the fluid
- Laminar flow reduces friction
Examples → Stagnant rivers, pipes, hoses (areas/containers where fluids are controlled)
Turbulent flow:
- When fluids undergo irregular fluctuations, or mixing behaviours
- Is unpredictable and there is no pattern
- In turbulent flow, there can be eddy which is an area of slower-moving fluid that occurs
behind an obstacle
- Turbulent flow in water can be the result of water mixing with air
Examples → Fast flowing river, building of storm clouds and more. (In our bodies our blood flow
is laminar however, due to conditions such as plaque buildup, people can have turbulent flow)
Reducing turbulent flow → sometimes, a laminar flow is needed and so scientists and engineers
use streamlined, which is a smooth shape designed to decrease resistance to fluid flow.
Concrete linings are another way to create a laminar flow within rivers and linings which help
prevent erosion due to turbulent flow.
