Question 1

Which statement best describes the molecular arrangement in a liquid compared to a solid and a gas?

Accepted Answer

Molecules in a liquid are bound strongly enough to have a definite volume, but not a definite shape.

Question 2

A force is applied to one section of a solid and to a fluid. How is the transmission of force different between the two?

Accepted Answer

In solids, the force is transmitted with its direction unchanged; in fluids, the force is transmitted uniformly in all directions.

Question 3

The pressure difference between two points in a fluid of constant density $$\rho$$ separated by a vertical distance $$h is $$given by which equation?

Accepted Answer

$$P_2$$ - $$P_1$$ = \rho gh$$

Question 4

Pascal's Principle states that when a force $$F_1 is $$applied to a surface of area $$A_1 in an $$incompressible liquid, the pressure increase is transmitted to all other points. What is the resulting force $$F_2 on a $$different area $$A_2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$F_2$$ = ($$A_2$$/$$A_1$$)$$F_1$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains how a hydrostatic skeleton allows a worm to move?

Accepted Answer

Sequential contraction of circular and longitudinal muscles changes the worm's shape, allowing movement while the liquid volume remains constant.

Question 6

Bernoulli's equation for an incompressible fluid is given by $$P + ho gh + \frac{1}{2}ho v^2$ = 	ext{constant}. $$What does the term $$\frac{1}{2}ho v^2$ represent?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy per unit volume

Question 7

A pipe carries water at a constant height. If the velocity of water increases at a constriction, what happens to the pressure at that point according to Bernoulli's equation?

Accepted Answer

The pressure decreases.

Question 8

Poiseuille’s Law describes the rate of laminar flow $$Q$$ through a cylindrical tube. Which equation correctly expresses this law?

Accepted Answer

$$Q = \pi R^4$ (P_1$ - P_2$) / 8 \eta L$$

Question 9

If the radius of an arteriole decreases by 20% and the pressure drop remains constant, by what factor does the blood flow decrease according to Poiseuille’s Law?

Accepted Answer

By a factor of 2

Question 10

In arteriosclerosis, the radius of an artery is narrowed by a factor of 3. By what factor does the velocity of blood increase in the constricted region?

Accepted Answer

By a factor of 9

Question 11

A healthy young individual has a systolic pressure of 120 Torr and a diastolic pressure of 80 Torr. What is the average pressure of the pulsating blood?

Accepted Answer

100 Torr

Question 12

Which of the following statements about blood flow in arteries is correct?

Accepted Answer

Blood enters arteries in spurts or pulses due to the pumping action of the heart.

Question 13

Viscous friction in a fluid is proportional to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The velocity of flow and the coefficient of viscosity

Question 14

Which of the following best describes laminar flow in a pipe?

Accepted Answer

The velocity is highest at the center and decreases towards the walls, where the fluid is stationary.

Question 15

If the cross-sectional area of an artery is reduced by a factor of 9 due to stenosis, what happens to the kinetic energy per unit volume of blood in the constricted region?

Accepted Answer

It increases by a factor of 81.

Question 16

Why can severe arteriosclerosis lead to a complete blockage of an artery?

Accepted Answer

Because the external pressure may close off the artery when the internal pressure drops significantly in the constricted region.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a correct consequence of Pascal’s Principle in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Bones transmit pressure changes throughout the body in the same way as fluids.

Question 18

Which unit is commonly used to measure fluid pressure in medical contexts, and what is its definition?

Accepted Answer

Torr, defined as the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 1 mm high.

Question 19

If the viscosity of a fluid increases as the temperature decreases, what effect does this have on the rate of laminar flow $$Q$$ through a pipe, assuming all other variables are constant?

Accepted Answer

The rate of flow $$Q$$ decreases.

Fluid Mechanics: Properties, Principles, and Biological Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards