ANS:C - pressure energy

Pressure energy, also known as pressure head or potential head, is a form of mechanical energy possessed by a fluid due to its pressure. It is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics and is crucial for understanding fluid flow behavior and energy transformations within a fluid system. Pressure energy arises from the pressure exerted by a fluid on its surroundings. When a fluid is under pressure, it possesses the potential to do work as it flows from one point to another. This pressure energy is a result of the molecular collisions and interactions within the fluid that create a force per unit area, or pressure, on the boundaries of its container. The mathematical expression for pressure energy, often referred to as pressure head, is given by the following formula: P=ρ/p.g​ Where:

• P is the pressure energy or pressure head,
• p is the pressure of the fluid,
• ρ is the density of the fluid,
• g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Pressure energy is typically measured in terms of the height of a fluid column that would produce the same pressure as the actual fluid pressure. This is because pressure energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, potential energy, or shaft work, as the fluid flows through a system. In fluid flow problems, pressure energy is often used in conjunction with other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy and potential energy, to analyze and understand fluid behavior, including flow rate, velocity profiles, and energy losses. In summary, pressure energy is the mechanical energy associated with the pressure of a fluid and represents its ability to do work as it flows through a system. It is a fundamental component of fluid mechanics and plays a crucial role in various engineering applications.