Conservation of mass flow rate in fluids
Definition
Conservation of mass flow rate in fluids refers to the principle that states that mass cannot be created or destroyed within a fluid flowing through any given point in space. This means that for an ideal fluid, the mass flow rate entering and exiting any control volume must be equal.
Analogy
Picture traffic flowing through an intersection with multiple roads. No matter how many cars enter or exit, if there are no accidents or detours, the total number of cars passing through each road will remain constant.
Related terms
Bernoulli's equation: An equation that relates the pressure, velocity, and height of a fluid in motion.
Reynolds number: A dimensionless quantity used to predict the flow regime of a fluid (laminar or turbulent).
Continuity equation: An equation that states that the mass flow rate of a fluid is constant along a streamline.
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