What is the pressure in a microscopic scale?

In summary, the Bernoulli equation states that there is a constant relationship between pressure, density, velocity, gravitational acceleration, and distance in fluid mechanics. This means that in a tube carrying fluid, the pressure on the wall of the tube can be calculated using this equation. However, in a microscopic scale, the concept of pressure does not apply as fluid mechanics does not consider individual molecules. Pressure also has no meaning at a molecular scale and is only relevant at a larger, macroscopic scale.
  • #1
omar.abosamra
7
0
i have took a basic course in fluid mechanics:
Bernoulli equation states that:
P + (1/2)*ρ*v^2 + ρ*g*h = constant
where P is the pressure , ρ is the density , g is the garvitational acceleration and h is the distance from the center of the Earth , and that constant is our reference.

that means if their was a tube carrying a stream of fluid with velocity V , the pressure on the wall of the tube would be:
(1/2)*ρ*v^2 + ρ*g*h + constant

what does that mean in a microscopic scale ? what happen with the interaction of the molecules of the wall and the fluid ?

and can their exist pressure inside the fluid due to the viscosity of the fluid ? if we assume that every layer moves with a speed different that the next layer due to viscosity? and if so , how would the pressure affect the stream ?
 
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  • #2
The 'fluid particles' ( also called fluid elements) considered in fluid mechanics are not the molecules of the fluid.

In fact fluid mechanics does not consider molecules at all. The particles just have to be small enough for the analysis concerned. The fluid is taken as continuously divisible down to whatever scale is required.

Pressure has no meaning at a molecular (or smaller) scale.
 

What is pressure on a microscopic scale?

Pressure on a microscopic scale refers to the force exerted per unit area by particles in a confined space, such as a small volume of gas or liquid. It is a measure of the collisions and interactions between individual particles.

How is pressure measured on a microscopic scale?

Pressure on a microscopic scale is typically measured using specialized instruments, such as a manometer or a pressure sensor. These instruments can detect and quantify the force exerted by individual particles in a confined space.

What factors can affect pressure on a microscopic scale?

Pressure on a microscopic scale can be affected by several factors, including the number of particles present, their speed and mass, the temperature of the system, and the volume of the confined space. Changes in any of these factors can alter the pressure exerted by the particles.

How does pressure on a microscopic scale differ from pressure on a macroscopic scale?

Pressure on a microscopic scale is typically much higher than pressure on a macroscopic scale. This is because the number of particles present in a small volume is much greater than the number of particles in a larger volume, leading to more frequent and intense collisions between particles.

What are some real-world applications of understanding pressure on a microscopic scale?

Understanding pressure on a microscopic scale is essential in various scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, and engineering. It is used to study the behavior of gases and liquids, design efficient systems for storing and transporting fluids, and develop new materials with specific properties.

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