Physics Homework Review

A collection of vocabulary terms and their definitions related to fluid dynamics, gases, and thermodynamics to aid in exam preparation.

Critical Temperature

The temperature above which the kinetic activity of a liquid's molecules is so great that attractive forces cannot keep them in a liquid state.

Laminar Flow

A pattern of flow in which a fluid moves in discrete cylindrical streamlines.

Condensation

The physical process whereby the gaseous form of a substance is changed back into its liquid state.

Absolute Humidity

The actual content or weight of water present in a given volume of air.

Saturation

The equilibrium condition in which a gas holds all the water vapor molecules that it can.

Viscosity

The internal force that opposes the flow of fluids (equivalent to friction between solid substances).

Kinetic Energy

The energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Capillary Action

The phenomenon whereby a liquid in a small tube tends to move upward against the force of gravity.

Water Vapor Pressure

A direct measure of the kinetic activity of water vapor molecules.

Diffusion

The physical process whereby atoms or molecules tend to move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Poiseuille's Law

Describes the relationship between pressure, viscosity, tube length, and tube radius in fluid dynamics.

Convection

The primary means by which heat transfer occurs in fluids.

Bernoulli’s Principle

States that as a fluid flows through a narrow passage, its velocity increases and lateral pressure decreases.