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Chapter 15: Problem 14

Is the flow speed behind a wind turbine greater or less than in front? Is the pressure behind the turbine higher or lower than in front? Is this a violation of Bernoulli's principle? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The flow speed behind the wind turbine is less than in front. The pressure behind the turbine is higher than in front. This situation doesn't violate Bernoulli's principle. On the contrary, it demonstrates it.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the wind turbine operation

A wind turbine operates by extracting kinetic energy from the wind to produce mechanical or electrical power. As the wind passes through the turbine, the turbine blades slice into the wind, decreasing its speed. Therefore, the flow speed behind a wind turbine is less than in front.
02

Analyzing the pressure changes

According to Bernoulli's principle, if the speed of the fluid decreases, the pressure has to increase to conserve the total mechanical energy. So, the pressure behind the turbine is higher than in front.
03

Understanding Bernoulli's principle

Bernoulli's principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. This principle is not violated in this situation since the turbine operates by extracting kinetic energy from the wind, decreasing the wind speed and increasing its pressure.

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