Notes:
The Continuity Equation is an adjustable-size file that displays nicely on smart phones, on tablets such as the iPad, on Chromebooks, and on laptops and desktops. The size of the Interactive can be scaled to fit the device that it is displayed on. The compatibility with smart phones, iPads, other tablets, and Chromebooks make it a perfect tool for use in a 1:1 classroom.
Teaching Ideas and Suggestions:
Activities on the topic of Fluids have traditionally been absent from our website. We began adding CalcPad problem sets and Concept Builders in 2023. And now we have some simulations. This simulation has a clear purpose: to investigate how the speed of fluid flow within a pipe is dependent upon the cross-sectional area of the pipe. A length of pipe is divided into three different sections that have a modifiable length and area. The interface includes the ability to quickly change the cross-sectional area (and radius) by dragging four selected points. Output values are immediately modified to match the adjustments. Students can explore three basic questions.
- How does radius of the pipe affect the fluid velocity? How would you describe the relationship - linear, inverse, quadratic, etc.?
- How does cross-sectional area of the pipe affect the fluid velocity? How would you describe the relationship - linear, inverse, quadratic, etc.?
- How does the length of a section of the pipe affect the fluid velocity within that section?
- What effect, if any, does the cross-sectional area of the pipe have upon the volumetric flow rate?
As of this time, we do not have a student activity sheet for this simulation. When inspiration strikes and time frees up, we will likely create an activity sheet and accompanying Concept Checker.
Related Resources
There are numerous resources at The Physics Classroom website that serve as very complementary supports for the Continuity Equation simulation. These include:
- The Calculator Pad
Our Calculator Pad tool is sourced with more than 2500 ready-to-use Physics word problems. Each problem contains randomized numbers, an answer field for inputting an answer, immediate feedback, and (often) problem-specific help. Our Fluids section has two particularly applicable problem sets associated with the Continuity Equation. See Problem Set FM4 and Problem Set FM5 on the topic of fluid flow through horizontal pipes.
Credits
We owe a special thanks to Physics teacher Martin Kirby for donating the Continuity Equation Simulation to our Interactives collection. Martin has contributed many other simulations to our Interactives collection. You can view them all by visiting our page listing all
Martin Kirby Simulations. Or visit Martin's website (
kirbyx.com) to learn more.