Help Understanding Volume Flow Rate / Bernoulli's

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of volume flow rate in conjunction with Bernoulli's equation, specifically addressing the relationship between cross-sectional area and fluid velocity. The principle A1v1 = A2v2 is established, confirming that if A2 is one-fourth the size of A1, then v2 will indeed be four times v1. The conversation clarifies that cross-sectional area refers to the area of a pipe's circular cross-section, calculated using the formula A = πr², and emphasizes that volumetric flow rate is defined as volume per unit time, such as m³/sec.

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KendrickLamar
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Hey guys, just have a question because I'm having a little trouble understanding like how exactly to use the volume flow rate with bernoulli's equation. (wasnt sure which section to put this in but is more of a concept question using homework examples)

Like the volume flow rate i understand A1v1=A2v2
for example i was doing this problem : https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=80584

Well its inversely proportional right but (im just being stupid probably because I'm really tired) but if A2 is 1/4 the size of A1 for example, then v2 is going to be 4 x the size of V1? like

A1v1 = 1/4A2v2 so 4A1/v1 = A2v2 then v2 = 4(A1/A2)(v1), well like in the problem i linked, what happens to that A1/A2? why does it disappear when being plugged into bernoulli's equation?

Also another question is the A = cross sectional area right? what's that even mean like is that the same as surface area, or regular area, or what? because in a problem like this https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=65810 (now I am not sure if the member solved it 100% correct) but the person here puts Volume Flow Rate = pir^2v1 for example, what is the volume flow rate in this case i don't understand and is A just the area of a circle on the tube , even tho its open its not used like a cylinder's area?

thanks if anyone can help me out I am like brain dead at the moment.
 
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If A_2 is 1/4 A_1 then yes, V_2 will be 4 times V_1.

I'm not really sure what you mean when you say it "disappears?"

Cross sectional area is the area of a cross section. Say you have a piece of pipe. Stand the pipe on it's end on top of a piece of paper, then trace the inside of the pipe onto the paper. Find the area of that circle (A=\pi r^2) and that's the cross sectional area.

Volumetric flow rate is a volume per unit time (e.g., \frac{m^3}{sec}) If you do unit analysis you'll see that cross sectional area (e.g., m^2) times fluid velocity (e.g., \frac{m}{sec}) gives you volumetric flow rate.
 

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