4.3. Laminar Flow and Its Characteristics

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is laminar flow?

   Hint

   Think about how liquids flow in different situations.

2. 2.

   What does a low Reynolds number indicate?

   Hint

   Recall the definition of Reynolds number.

3. 3.

   What describes laminar flow?

   • Fluid moves chaotically
   • Fluid moves in layers
   • Fluid is turbulent

   Hint

   Think about how different fluids can flow.

4. 4.

   True or False: A high Reynolds number indicates laminar flow.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall what Reynolds number signifies.

5. 5.

   A pollution control system uses pumps to maintain laminar flow in a river. If the system doubles the velocity, how will that affect mass transfer resistance and pollutant dispersion?

   Hint

   Consider how convection relates to diffusion.

6. 6.

   Calculate the diffusion coefficient for a substance given the medium’s properties: if the medium's viscosity increases, what trend will you expect in the diffusion coefficient and why?

   Hint

   Think about how viscosity affects fluid dynamics.