The direction of flux vectors in derivation of conservation of mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the conservation of mass law, emphasizing the role of flux vectors in a control volume. It is established that the mass variation within a control volume must equal the net mass that crosses the control surface over a specified time interval. The assumption of an infinitesimally small control volume is critical, as it ensures that the velocity field v(x,y,z,t) remains relatively constant within that volume. This understanding is essential for accurately applying the conservation of mass in fluid dynamics.

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Mart1234
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In the derivation of the conservation law of the conservation of mass, the flux on one side enters and the flux on the other side leaves the control volume. I presume this is due to the assumption that the volume is infinitesimally small and hence v(x,y,z,t) will not change directions dramatically within the control volume. Is this the correct way of thinking about this or am I missing something?
 
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That sounds plausible, but without the context it's difficult to say.
 
No, what the law of conservation of mass says is that, during a given time interval, any variation of mass inside a control volume must be equal to the net mass that traverses the control surface during that same time interval. Not only the control volume can be of any size, but it can also increase or decrease during that time interval.
 

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