Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

Bernoulli found that the pressure of a fluid, like air, _______ when it is accelerated.

1. Increases

2. Decreases

3. Stays constant

4. Rises

The correct answer is: Decreases

In fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential energy. When fluid is accelerated, its kinetic energy increases, which leads to a corresponding decrease in its pressure. This relationship is fundamental to various phenomena, such as the lift generated on an airplane wing and the behavior of different types of fluids in motion. This principle demonstrates that, as velocity increases, the pressure exerted by the fluid decreases, aligning with the understanding of energy conservation within a moving fluid system.