What characterizes laminar flow?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, parallel movement of fluid particles along layers in a predictable manner. This flow regime occurs at low velocities and is in contrast to turbulent flow, where fluid particles exhibit erratic and chaotic motion. The viscosity of the fluid does not hinder laminar flow; instead, it influences the resistance to flow. Incompressibility is a property of fluids but does not specifically define laminar flow. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it accurately describes the behavior of fluid particles in laminar flow, making B, C, and D incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The continuity equation in fluid dynamics is a statement of the conservation of mass, making choice B the correct answer. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass leaving the system, assuming no mass is created or destroyed within the system. Conservation of momentum (choice A) is related to Newton's laws of motion and is not directly expressed by the continuity equation. Conservation of energy (choice C) involves different principles like the first law of thermodynamics and is not the focus of the continuity equation. Angular momentum (choice D) is also a different concept related to rotational motion and not described by the continuity equation.

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.