Bernoullis Principle

Bernoulli's Principle states that as the speed of a moving fluid (liquid or gas) increases, the
pressure within the fluid decreases.

Venturi Effect

The Venturi effect is the fluid pressure that results when an incompressible fluid flows through a
constricted section of a pipe.

Experiment 1

Figure above shows that when water flow from left to right, the water level decreases from left to
right. This indicates that, the water pressure decreases from left to right.

Explanation:
Liquids flow from places with higher pressure to places with lower pressure.

However, if the experiment is repeated by using a Venturi tube where the diameter at B is made
smaller than A and C as in the diagram above, the water level become lowest at B.

Explanation:
The pressure at B is the lowest because the liquid flow the fastest at B. According to Bernoulli's
Principle, the faster the water flow, the lower the water pressure.
Experiment 2

Figure above shows some air is blow through a tube from left to right. The water level in the
capillary tube increases from left to right.
This indicates that the pressure in the tube decreases from left to right.

Explanation:
Gases flow from places with higher pressure to places with lower pressure.

However, if the tube is replaced by a Venturi tube, the water level become highest at B. This
indicates that, the pressure of the air is the lowest at B.

Explanation:
The pressure at B is the lowest because the gas flow the fastest at B. According to Bernoulli's
Principle, the faster the gas flow, the lower the gas pressure.
Experiments Related to Bernoullis Principle
Experiment 1

A paper will be lifted upwards when air is blown rapidly above it.

Explanation:

1. Air move rapidly above the paper, causes the pressure above the paper to decrease.
2. Pressure below the paper becomes relatively higher.
3. Owing to the difference of the pressure, a net force is produced to push the paper upward.

Experiment 2

When air is blown rapidly between the 2 ping pong balls, the 2 balls will move towards each other.

Explanation:

1. Air move rapidly between the 2 balls, causes the pressure between the 2 balls to decrease.
2. Pressure at the other side of the balls becomes relatively higher, push the 2 ball close to each
other.
Experiment 3

The ping pong ball will not fall when water is allowed to flow through the filter funnel.

Explanation:

1. Water above the ping pong ball flow rapidly, causes the pressure above the ping pong ball to
decrease.
2. As a result, the pressure below the ping pong ball is relatively higher.
3. Owing to the difference of the pressure, a net force is produced to push the ping pong ball
upward.

Application of Bernoullis Principle

Aeroplane
 1. When a wing in the form of an aerofoil moves in air, the flow of air over the top travels
faster and creates a region of low pressure. The flow of air below the wing is slower
resulting in a region of higher pressure.
2. The difference between the pressures at the top and underside of the wing causes a net
upward force, called lift, which helps the plane to take-off.

Q&A

Q: Explain how an upthrust is produced when the aeroplane is moving.

A:

1. When the aeroplane is moving, air flows faster above the wing than below.
2. Therefore, the air pressure below the wing is higher than above.
3. The difference in air pressure produces a net force acting upwards.

Q&A

Q: There are slat in front and flaps at the back of the wings of an aeroplane. Describe with the
aid of a diagram how the slat and flaps of the wings help in lifting the aeroplane when the
aeroplane starts to depart.

A:

1. When the aeroplane starts to depart, the slat and flaps are stretched and spread out to
increase the surface area of the wings.
2. This increases the lifting force acting on the aeroplane.
Sports

In some of the sport such as football, a player can make the ball move in a curve path by
spinning the ball. This effect can be explained by Bernoulli's Principle.

Insecticide Spray

1. When the plunger is pushed in, the air flows at a high velocity through a nozzle.
 2. The flow of air at high velocity creates a region of low pressure above the metal tube.
The higher pressure of the atmospheric air acts on the surface of the liquid insecticide
causing it to rise up the metal tube.
3. The insecticide leaves the top of the metal tube through the nozzle as a fine spray.

Bunsen Burner

1. When the burner is connected to a gas supply, the gas flows at high velocity through a
narrow passage in the burner, creating a region of low pressure.
2. The outside air, which is at atmospheric pressure, is drawn in and mixes with the gas.
3. The mixture of gas and air enables the gas to burn completely to produce a clean, hot, and
smokeless flame

Carburetor
A carburetor is a device that blends air and fuel for an internal combustion engine. Figure above
shows how Bernoulli's principle is applied in a carburetor to mix the air with the fuel.

Q&A

Q: Explain why 2 fast moving boats tend to move closer to each other.

A:

1. When the two boats travel at high speed, the stream of fluid (air and water) between the
boats flow faster than the other sides of the boats.
2. This form a low pressure zone in between the boats.
3. The higher pressure at the other sides of the boat pushes the boats closer to each other.