Nozzle at Pipe End — Nature of Exit Jet A nozzle fitted at the end of a water pipeline primarily delivers water at which condition at the outlet?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: high velocity

Explanation:


Introduction:
Nozzles are area-reducing devices that convert pressure energy into kinetic energy. Recognizing what changes predominantly at the exit—pressure or velocity—helps in selecting and sizing nozzles for jets, firefighting, turbine inlets, and cleaning applications.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Incompressible liquid water; negligible compressibility effects.
  • Nozzle discharges to atmosphere.
  • Steady operating condition; upstream has available pressure head.


Concept / Approach:
Bernoulli's principle for a streamline through the nozzle shows conversion of pressure head into velocity head. As area decreases, velocity rises while static pressure at the exit approaches atmospheric (for a free jet). Thus the signature trait of a nozzle is a high-velocity jet leaving at near-atmospheric pressure.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Apply energy equation: p/gamma + V^2/(2g) + z = constant (minus losses).Across the nozzle, p term decreases; V term increases.At the exit to atmosphere, p ≈ p_atm, and V is maximized ⇒ ‘‘high velocity’’.


Verification / Alternative check:
Measured jet speeds from hose nozzles confirm large velocities with only atmospheric static pressure at the exit.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
‘‘High pressure’’ is upstream; ‘‘low velocity’’ contradicts nozzle function; ‘‘low pressure’’ alone is incomplete and misleading because the defining feature is high kinetic energy.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming pressure remains high at the outlet; ignoring head losses that slightly limit achievable velocity.


Final Answer:
high velocity

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