Prandtl number is a measure of the

ANS:A - heat conduction to viscosity of a fluid.

The Prandtl number (Pr) is a measure of the heat conduction to viscosity of a fluid.

Explanation:

1. Definition of Prandtl Number (Pr):
   • The Prandtl number is defined as the ratio of momentum diffusivity (kinematic viscosity) to thermal diffusivity in a fluid. It is expressed mathematically as: Pr=Kinematic viscosityThermal diffusivity=να\text{Pr} = \frac{\text{Kinematic viscosity}}{\text{Thermal diffusivity}} = \frac{\nu}{\alpha}Pr=Thermal diffusivityKinematic viscosity​=αν​ where:
     • ν\nuν is the kinematic viscosity (dynamic viscosity divided by density),
     • α\alphaα is the thermal diffusivity (thermal conductivity divided by density times specific heat capacity).
2. Physical Interpretation:
   • A low Prandtl number fluid (Pr < 1) indicates that thermal diffusivity is much greater than momentum diffusivity, implying that heat is transferred much faster than momentum within the fluid.
   • A high Prandtl number fluid (Pr > 1) indicates that momentum diffusivity is greater than thermal diffusivity, implying that momentum transfer dominates over heat transfer.
3. Options Analysis:
   • Heat conduction to viscosity of a fluid: This correctly describes the Prandtl number as it relates the thermal properties (heat conduction) to the viscous properties (viscosity) of the fluid.
   • Cp/Cv of a fluid: Cp/Cv (specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume) is not related to the Prandtl number.
   • Elastic force to pressure force in the fluid flow: This describes the Euler number or Elastohydrodynamic number, not the Prandtl number.
   • Inertial force to elastic force in the fluid flow: This describes the Reynolds number, not the Prandtl number.

Conclusion: