Fluid Kinematics MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Definition of streaklines in fluid flow

Formula

NONE

Step-by-step solution

1. A streakline is the locus of fluid particles that have passed through a specific spatial point continuously in the past. Answer: A

Explanation

A streakline represents the locus of all fluid particles that have passed sequentially through a specific point in space over time. It differs from pathlines, which trace a single particle's path, and streamlines, which show velocity vectors. Therefore, option A is correct.

Why the other options are wrong

B) Streamlines are imaginary curves drawn tangent to local velocity vectors at a given instant. C) Pathlines track the trajectory of a single fluid particle throughout its path of motion.

Shortcut

Streakline = locus of all particles that passed through a single spatial point in the past.

Common mistake

Confusing streaklines with pathlines, which trace the trajectory of a single particle over time.