HighMarks

Fluid flow — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 107 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives

36 easy36 medium35 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Describe streamline flow and turbulent flow and derive the equation of continuity

Describe experiments to illustrate Bernoulli's effect and explain its principles

Describe applications of Bernoulli's effect including Bunsen burner, spray gun, carburetor and aerofoil

Distinguish between streamline and turbulent flow; define critical velocity and state conditions for turbulent flow

State Bernoulli’s principle and describe experiments and everyday observations that demonstrate it

Explain applications of Bernoulli’s principle: aerofoil lift, Bunsen burner, spray gun, carburettor, spinning ball, Venturi tube and Pitot tube

Derive and apply the equation of continuity A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ to solve problems on fluid velocity, area and flow rate

Apply Bernoulli’s equation to calculate lift force, pressure differences and fluid emergence speed

Sample Questions

Try 3 questions free. Sign up to access all 107 questions with full marking schemes.

1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

State the equation of continuity and explain its significance in fluid dynamics. (4 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 2 marks
A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (the product of cross-sectional area and fluid velocity is constant along a streamline) (2 mks)
Part (b) — 2 marks
It ensures mass conservation in fluid flow (1 mk)
It helps to predict how changes in pipe diameter affect fluid velocity (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

List three applications of Bernoulli's principle in everyday life. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 3 marks
Aerofoil lift in aircraft wings (1 mk)
Operation of a carburettor in engines (1 mk)
Function of a spray gun for painting (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Define Bernoulli's principle and explain how it is observed in the functioning of a garden hose when the nozzle is partially closed. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 1 mark
For an incompressible fluid, an increase in fluid speed occurs with a decrease in pressure along a streamline. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
When the nozzle is partially closed, the cross-sectional area decreases, causing the fluid to speed up. (1 mk)
As the speed of the fluid increases, the pressure at the nozzle decreases, resulting in a further acceleration of the water jet. (1 mk)
4

Identify two applications of Bernoulli's effect in everyday life and explain how it operates in each case. (4 marks)

+104 More Questions

Sign up free to access all 107 questions with marking schemes, track your progress, and get personalised recommendations.

Why Practise Fluid flow?

KNEC Aligned

Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.

Detailed Marking Schemes

Every answer shows exactly what examiners award marks for.

Track Your Mastery

See your score improve as you practise and identify remaining gaps.

Master Fluid flow for KCSE

Sign up free to unlock all 107 questions, track your progress, and get a personalised study plan for Physics.