Physics - Fluid Dynamics - College and AP Physics

About this course

This course is one of several courses designed for students in high school, AP Physics, and introductory college level physics. In this course we cover fluid dynamics, which is the study of fluids in motion. The course begins with flow rate, volume flow rate, mass flow rate, and the continuity equation, then moves into ideal fluids, Bernoulli's principle, Bernoulli's equation, and common applications of moving fluids.The videos and resources include clear lectures, demonstrations, PhET simulations, and plenty of worked out example problems. Students will practice using equations, interpreting what the variables mean, and deciding when a physics model applies. We will connect the math to real situations involving pipes, branches, changing cross-sectional area, pressure differences, speed changes, fluid power, Torricelli's theorem, and fluid flow from openings.This course is a good fit for any student who wants a stronger understanding of algebra based physics. It is especially useful for high school physics, AP Physics, and introductory college physics students. The course does not require calculus, but students in a calculus based physics course can still benefit from the conceptual groundwork and example problem practice. If you are using this as a follow-up to a fluid statics unit, this course extends pressure and density ideas into moving systems so the two parts of fluid physics fit together.By the end of the course, students should be able to choose the right equation, organize known values, solve multi-step fluid dynamics problems, and explain the physical meaning of pressure, speed, area, height, and energy changes in flowing fluids.

Course objectives

• connect math to real-world situations involving fluid dynamics
• extend knowledge from fluid statics to fluid dynamics
• build a strong conceptual foundation in algebra-based physics