Assertion (A): Head loss for sudden expansion is more than the head lo...
Assertion (A): Head loss for sudden expansion is more than the head loss for a sudden contraction for the same diameter ratio.
Reason (R): Head loss varies as the square of the upstream and downstream velocities in the pipe fitted with sudden expansion or sudden contraction.
The correct answer is option C, i.e., Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
Explanation:
- Head loss in sudden expansion: When a fluid flows through a sudden expansion in a pipe, the velocity of the fluid decreases and the pressure increases. This results in an increase in head loss. The fluid particles experience a sudden change in direction, leading to the formation of eddies and vortices, which cause additional energy losses. These losses contribute to the overall head loss in the system.
- Head loss in sudden contraction: When a fluid flows through a sudden contraction in a pipe, the velocity of the fluid increases and the pressure decreases. This results in a decrease in head loss. The fluid particles converge and accelerate, which reduces the energy losses compared to a sudden expansion.
Reason (R)
The head loss in a pipe fitting, such as a sudden expansion or contraction, is influenced by the velocity of the fluid. According to the Bernoulli's equation, the head loss is directly proportional to the square of the velocity. Therefore, the head loss varies as the square of the upstream and downstream velocities in the pipe fitted with sudden expansion or sudden contraction.
Explanation of Reason (R):
The reason provided is incorrect. The head loss in a sudden expansion or contraction is not solely dependent on the square of the velocities. The head loss also depends on other factors such as the geometry of the fitting, the Reynolds number, and the turbulence in the flow. While the velocity does play a role in the head loss, it is not the sole determining factor.
Therefore, Assertion (A) is true as head loss in sudden expansion is generally more than the head loss in sudden contraction. However, Reason (R) is false as it does not provide a correct explanation for Assertion (A).
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