Fluid Mechanics — Energy Conservation for Ideal Incompressible Flow For a perfect (non-viscous) incompressible liquid flowing steadily along a continuous stream/streamline, the total head (pressure head + velocity head + datum head) of a fluid particle remains constant from one point to another. This statement is called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Bernoulli's equation

Explanation:


Introduction:
Bernoulli's equation expresses conservation of mechanical energy for steady flow of an ideal (non-viscous, incompressible) fluid along a streamline. It relates pressure head, velocity head, and elevation head (datum head).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Fluid is incompressible.
  • Flow is steady along a streamline.
  • Viscous losses and shaft work are neglected (ideal conditions).
  • No significant heat transfer; gravitational field is uniform.


Concept / Approach:
Bernoulli's statement: p/(rhog) + V^2/(2g) + z = constant along a streamline for ideal flow. Here p is pressure, rho is density, V is speed, g is gravitational acceleration, and z is elevation (datum).


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the heads: pressure head = p/(rhog), velocity head = V^2/(2g), datum head = z.For an ideal, steady, incompressible flow, the sum of these heads remains constant along a streamline.Therefore the statement in the question exactly matches Bernoulli's equation (or Bernoulli's theorem).


Verification / Alternative check:
If friction existed, the total head would drop; that situation is handled by the extended energy equation with head loss h_f. The question explicitly assumes a perfect incompressible liquid, so head loss is zero and Bernoulli applies directly.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Continuity equation: conserves mass (A*V constant) and does not state energy conservation.
Pascal's law: pressure in a static fluid transmits equally in all directions; not an energy relation.
Archimede's principle: buoyancy in static fluids; unrelated to flowing energy balance.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing continuity (mass) with Bernoulli (energy); applying Bernoulli across pumps/turbines or across different streamlines without proper conditions; ignoring head losses in real fluids.


Final Answer:
Bernoulli's equation

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