ERIC Number: EJ931317
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Mar
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0143-0807
EISSN: N/A
The Bernoulli Equation in a Moving Reference Frame
Mungan, Carl E.
European Journal of Physics, v32 n2 p517-520 Mar 2011
Unlike other standard equations in introductory classical mechanics, the Bernoulli equation is not Galilean invariant. The explanation is that, in a reference frame moving with respect to constrictions or obstacles, those surfaces do work on the fluid, constituting an extra term that needs to be included in the work-energy calculation. A quantitative example is presented here for a horizontal tapered pipe. A frame-independent expression for the pressure drop in the pipe is obtained. The concepts discussed in this paper are accessible to introductory undergraduate physics majors. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Mechanics (Physics), Equations (Mathematics), Introductory Courses, Computation, Scientific Concepts, Undergraduate Students, College Science, Majors (Students), Scientific Principles
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A