Cavitation is a phenomenon observed in fluids when the pressure falls below its:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cavitation is a phenomenon where vapor bubbles form in a fluid due to pressure dropping below the vapor pressure of the liquid. When this occurs, the bubbles collapse, creating intense shock waves. The pressure falling below the vapor pressure is what triggers cavitation, not the boiling point, density, or freezing point of the fluid. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Vapor pressure,' as it directly relates to the pressure threshold required for cavitation to happen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The free surface in open-channel flow refers to the interface between the liquid and the surrounding gas, typically the atmosphere. This interface is critical as it determines the boundary between the liquid flow and the open environment. Option A is incorrect as it refers to the liquid-container wall interface, not the free surface. Option C is incorrect because it represents the bottom of the channel, not the free surface. Option D is incorrect as it describes the region of highest velocity within the liquid, not the free surface. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a non-Newtonian fluid exhibits shear thickening behavior, its viscosity increases with increasing shear rate. This means that as more force is applied to the fluid, its resistance to flow also increases, resulting in a higher viscosity. This phenomenon is opposite to shear thinning, where viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. Therefore, in the case of shear thickening behavior, the correct answer is that the fluid's viscosity increases with increasing shear rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because shear thickening behavior specifically involves an increase in viscosity with increasing shear rate, not remaining constant, decreasing, or depending on applied pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Boundary layer separation. Boundary layer separation occurs when the flow of fluid detaches from the surface of a bluff body, leading to a low-pressure region behind the object. This separation creates a wake region with reduced pressure. Choice A, Cavitation, refers to the formation of vapor bubbles in a fluid and is not relevant in this context. Choice C, Bernoulli effect per se, does not specifically describe the phenomenon of flow separation behind a bluff body. Choice D, Drag crisis, is not the term used to describe the creation of a low-pressure region due to flow separation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a gas is compressed isothermally, the surroundings perform work on the gas. In this process, since the temperature remains constant (isothermal), the internal energy of the gas does not change. Therefore, the correct answer is that the surroundings perform work on the gas, and its internal energy decreases. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly describe the direction of work and the change in internal energy during an isothermal compression.