Definitions - Fluids

These are the current definitions that you should be studying.  Updated January 15th.

 

For a digital set of flashcards, to help you study, click here.

 

This list is now complete

 

Matter Anything that has mass, takes up space, and is made of particles.
Solid The state of matter in which the substance has both a definite volume and a definite shape.  Particles can not move around one another.
Liquid The state of matter in which the substance has a definite volume, but no definite shape.  Particles move freely.
Gas The state of matter in which the substance has neither a definite volume nor a definite shape.  Particles move rapidly and freely.
Fluid Any substance that flows.  Can be a liquid or a gas.
Viscosity The measure of how fast a fluid will flow; the "thickness" or "thinness" of a fluid.
Flow Rate The volume of fluid that passes a point in a pipe or tube in a certain amount of time.
Mass The amount of matter in a substance.
Weight The force of gravity exerted on a mass.
Density The amount of mass in a certain unit volume of a substance (mass divided by volume).
Average Density The total mass of an object divided by the total volume.
Buoyancy The tendency to rise or float in a fluid.
Force A push or pull, or anything, that can cause a change in motion.
Gravity The attractive force between masses.
Capacity The largest amount that can be held by a container.
Pressure The force acting perpendicular to a surface area.
Compressibility The ability to be squeezed into a smaller volume.
Compressible Capable of being squeezed into a smaller volume.
Incompressible Not capable of being squeezed into a smaller volume.
Hydraulics The study of pressure in liquids.
Pneumatics The study of pressure in gases.
Pump A device that moves a fluid through a hose, pipe or into a container.
Compressor A device that compresses air.
Balanced Forces When all the forces on an object are equal and opposite, such that the movement will not change.