Flux vectors refer to the flow of a physical quantity, such as mass or energy, through a surface or boundary. In the derivation of conservation of mass, flux vectors are used to understand the movement of mass in and out of a system.
The direction of flux vectors is important because it determines the sign of the mass flow rate and whether mass is entering or leaving the system. This is crucial in understanding the overall change in mass within a system and whether it is conserved or not.
Flux vectors are calculated using the dot product of the velocity vector and the normal vector of the surface or boundary. This gives the magnitude and direction of the flux through that surface.
The conservation of mass is a fundamental principle in physics and is applicable in many scientific fields, such as chemistry, biology, and engineering. It allows us to understand and predict the behavior of mass in various systems, and is crucial in developing new technologies and solving real-world problems.
Yes, the direction of flux vectors can change if the system is dynamic or if there are external forces acting on it. However, the overall principle of conservation of mass still holds true, as the total mass within the system remains constant regardless of the direction of flux vectors.