Is Density Affected By Fluid Speed According To Bernoulli's Principle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between fluid speed, density, and pressure as described by Bernoulli's Principle. Participants are exploring the implications of fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of incompressible versus compressible flow.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the relationship between fluid speed and density, particularly in scenarios where a fluid passes through a narrower area. There is confusion about how speed and pressure interact according to Bernoulli's Principle, with some seeking clarification on the assumptions regarding incompressible and compressible flow.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants expressing confusion and seeking clarification on key concepts. Some have offered insights into the assumptions of incompressible flow, while others are exploring the implications of compressible flow. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the dialogue appears to be productive.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the fluid in question may be either incompressible or compressible, which affects the discussion on density and pressure. The original poster has noted conflicting information in their notes, which is contributing to the inquiry.

BrooklynBees
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I have in my notes that as speed of a fluid increases, density decreases.
This doesn't make sense to me. When a fluid passes through a narrower area, doesn't that mean that its density is increasing because it is now packed more tightly together? If this is the case, shouldn't the rule be that as speed increases, density increases (in accordance with the concept that a fluid passing through a narrower area speeds up to maintain flow rate)?

I also have in my notes that as pressure increases, density increases.
As I stated in the previous paragraph, it seems to me that as speed increases, density should also increase. However, Bernoulli's Principle states that as a fluid's speed increases, pressure decreases. So shouldn't the rule be that as pressure increases, density decreases? (If someone helps me understand the rule from the first paragraph, I'll likely be able to figure this rule out on my own).

Thank you
 
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Bernoulli's principle is so interesting because of this counter-intuitiveness!

The way I like to think of it is that energy density in a fluid is constant. In a formula:

pressure + .5*density*velocity^2 + mass*g*density*vertical displacement = constant

It should be clear from this that increasing velocity decreases pressure or decreases density (usually pressure).
 
Last edited:
"increasing velocity increases pressure"

I thought the whole idea of Bernoulli's principle was that increasing velocity decreases pressure...?
 
I mistyped, I've edited it.
 
BrooklynBees said:
I have in my notes that as speed of a fluid increases, density decreases.
This doesn't make sense to me. When a fluid passes through a narrower area, doesn't that mean that its density is increasing because it is now packed more tightly together? If this is the case, shouldn't the rule be that as speed increases, density increases (in accordance with the concept that a fluid passing through a narrower area speeds up to maintain flow rate)?

I also have in my notes that as pressure increases, density increases.
As I stated in the previous paragraph, it seems to me that as speed increases, density should also increase. However, Bernoulli's Principle states that as a fluid's speed increases, pressure decreases. So shouldn't the rule be that as pressure increases, density decreases? (If someone helps me understand the rule from the first paragraph, I'll likely be able to figure this rule out on my own).

Thank you

For incompressible flow the density will be constant. This is the typical assumption (one of them any way) with the Bernoulli Principle.

For compressible flow, the density will vary depending on the pressure. As the pressure increases the density increases and vice versa.

CS
 
Hmm. Okay.
Another question, then.
Is the following statement true?:
the narrower the pipe, the higher the density

Nvm, reading the previous post.
 
OHHH! I get it.
 

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