Physics Flashcards
Laminar flow
The situation when any fluid (gas or liquid) passes smoothly and steadily along a given path, as described by the Hagen Poiseuille equation
Viscosity is the important property for laminar flow
Turbulent flow
When a fluid flows unpredictably with multiple eddy currents, and is not parallel to the sides of the tube through which it flows
Density is the important property for turbulent flow
Reynold’s Number
A dimensionless number which describes the likelihood of fluid flow being either turbulent laminar.
<2000 likely to be laminar
>2000 likely to be turbulent
Re = pvd/n
P is densitv
V is velocity
D is diameter of tube
N is viscosity
Hagen-Poiseuille equation
Flow = pi p r4 / 8 nl
P is pressure drop
R is radius
N is viscosity
L is length
Flow is proportional to the 4th power of the radius so if r doubles then flow increases x 16
Bernoulli Principle
An increase in flow velocity of an ideal fluid will be accompanied by a decrease in pressure in order to conserve energy
Venturi Effect
The introduction of a constriction to fluid flow within a tube causes velocity to increase and therefore pressure to fall
Surgical diathermy
Works on the principle of current density, that a current applied over a small area has high density and heating will occur
Ultrasound
Sound waves with a frequency >20KHz
Medical ultrasound uses waves in the 2-15MHz spectrum
Increasing frequency gives greater resolution but reduces penetrating capacity
Piezoelectric effect
Phenomenon by which a mechanical stress applies to crystalline substances produces a potential difference
Resolution
Ability to distinguish to objects as separate
Can be spatial or contrast (those with similar echo reflective properties)
Absolute Humidity
The total mass of water vapour present in the air per unit volume (AH, kg.m-3 or g.m-3 )
Relative Humidity
The ratio of the vapour pressure of water in the air compared with the saturated vapour pressure of water at that temperature (RH, measured as a %).
Dew Point
The temperature at which the relative humidity of the air exceeds 100% and water condense out of the vapour phase to form a liquid.
Humidity
The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere and is subdivided into two types: absolute and relative
Latent Heat
The heat required or released when a substance changes state
Heat Capacity
The heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given object by one degree
Specific Heat Capacity
c = ΔQ/mΔT
the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a mass of 1kg by 1 Kelvin.
c = ΔQ/mΔT
where…
• c = the specific heat capacity of the substance
• ΔQ = the amount of heat energy required in kilojoules (kJ)
• m = the mass of the substance being heated in kilograms (kg)
• ΔT = the change in temperature in Kelvin (K)
The Triple Point of Water
The temperature at which all three phases of water are in equilibrium at 611.73Pa. It occurs at 0.01oC.
Force
Force is that influence which tends to change the state of motion of an object, measured in Newtons
F = ma m=mass and a=acceleration
Newton
1 Newton is that force which will give a mass of 1Kg an acceleration of 1m/s/s
N = Kg.m.s-2
Pressure
Pressure is force applied over a unit area, measured in pascals
P=F/A
Pascal
1 Pascal is equal to a force of one newton applied over an area of one square metre (N.m-2)
Energy
Energy is the capacity to do work, measured in joules. (mechanical, chemical, electrical or thermal/heat)
Work
Work is the result of a force acting upon an object to cause its displacement in the direction of force applied
J=FD where F is force and D is distanced travelled.
Joule
1 Joule is the work done when a force of one newton moves one metre in the direction of the force.
Power
Power is the rate at which work is done, measured in watts
W=J/s where J is work done and s is time in seconds
Watt
1 Watt is the power expended when one joule of energy is consumed in one second.
Critical Temperature
The temperature above which a gas cannot be liquified regardless of how much pressure is applied
Critical Pressure
The pressure needed to liquify a gas at its critical temperature