Surface tension, γ, is a property of fluids arising from:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Surface tension, represented by symbol γ, is caused by the cohesive forces between molecules in a liquid. These intermolecular forces, such as Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole-dipole interactions, create a 'skin' at the surface of the liquid, giving rise to the property of surface tension. Gravitational attraction, viscous dissipation, and pressure differentials within the fluid do not directly contribute to surface tension. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a hot cup of coffee is placed on a cold table, heat transfer primarily occurs through conduction. Conduction is the process of heat transfer through direct contact between objects at different temperatures. In this scenario, the heat from the hot coffee cup is transferred to the cold table through direct contact, making conduction the primary mode of heat transfer. Choice A (Radiation) is incorrect because radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice C (Convection within the coffee) is incorrect because convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, which is not the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario. Choice D (A combination of conduction and convection) is incorrect because while convection may play a minor role due to air currents around the cup, the primary mode of heat transfer in this scenario is conduction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When the specific gravity (SG) of an object is greater than 1, it indicates that the object is denser than the reference fluid, which is often water. According to Archimedes' principle, an object with SG > 1 will experience a net buoyant force acting upwards when submerged in the fluid. This is because the buoyant force is greater than the weight of the object, causing it to float. Therefore, the correct answer is A: 'Experience a net buoyant force acting upwards.' Objects with SG < 1 would sink as they are less dense than the fluid, while objects with SG = 1 would be neutrally buoyant, neither sinking nor floating.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a compressible fluid, the speed of sound (c) depends on both the fluid's density (ρ) and Bulk modulus. Density affects the compressibility of the fluid, while Bulk modulus represents the fluid's resistance to compression and plays a crucial role in determining the speed of sound in a compressible medium. Viscosity and surface tension do not directly impact the speed of sound in a compressible fluid subjected to rapid pressure changes. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pumps in fluid machinery are designed to primarily increase the fluid's pressure. This increase in pressure allows the fluid to flow through the system efficiently and overcome resistance. While pumps can also impact the velocity of the fluid to some extent, their main function is to elevate the pressure to facilitate the movement of the fluid within the system. Choice B is incorrect because pumps do not focus solely on increasing velocity. Choice C is incorrect as while pumps can affect velocity, their primary purpose is to boost pressure. Choice D is incorrect as pumps aim to increase either the pressure, velocity, or both.