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# Relation Between Pressure and Velocity

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## What is Pressure?

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Before knowing the relation between velocity and pressure, we must know the meaning of both pressure and velocity. Now, we can define pressure as the physical and external force exerted or applied to an object. In scientific terms, the force exerted on a unit area can be termed pressure. As pressure can be explained in terms of force acting on a unit area, the formula for pressure is F/A.

### What is Velocity?

Velocity can be defined as the rate of change of the position of an object in comparison to a given time frame. The definition of velocity can be confusing for some students, but velocity, in simple terms, means the speed of an object moving in a specific direction. Velocity is a vector quantity as both speed and direction are required to identify it. Meter per second is the S.I. unit of velocity

### Pressure and Velocity Relation

In the comparison of pressure velocity relation, one thing is common, and that is, both are macroscopic parameters that govern plenty of natural occurrences. On the one hand, pressure is the measurement of force per unit area. And on the other hand, velocity is the measure of the rate of change of displacement.

Two independent formulas explain the pressure velocity relationship in a more convincing manner.

### Bernoulli’s Formula for Relation Between Pressure and Velocity

The first formula that defines the relationship between pressure and velocity is Bernoulli's principle. Daniel Bernoulli first gave this formula in his book Hydrodynamica, which was published in the year 1738.

In this formula, Bernoulli explains that in thermodynamics or fluid dynamics, the increase in the speed of any in-compressible or non-viscous fluid is a result of the decrease in the static pressure exerted on the fluid.

The Formula given by Bernoulli under this principle to explain the relation of pressure and velocity is:

P + ½ ρv2 + ρgh = Constant

In the above formula,

P denotes the pressure of the in-compressible, non-viscous fluid that is measured using N/m2.

ρ denotes the density of the non-viscous liquid, which is measured using Kg/m2.

v denotes the velocity of the in-compressible, non-viscous liquid, measured using m/s.

g stands for acceleration due to gravity, which is measure through m/s2.

Lastly, h denotes the height from a reference level where the fluid is contained. It is measured in meters (m).

In simple words, Bernoulli’s formula explains the relation of pressure and velocity is inversely proportional. It means that when pressure increases, the velocity decreases, keeping the algebraic sum of potential energy, kinetic energy, and pressure constant. In a similar way, when velocity increases, the pressure decreases.

Bernoulli’s principle for pressure and velocity relation can be applied to different types of fluid flow. But, it has to be in different forms. The simple form of Bernoulli’s equation is only applicable for in-compressible and non-viscous fluids flow.

### Laplace Correction for Newtonian Formula

The Laplace equation was given as a transformation to Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound. The correction was given by Pierre-Simon Laplace, in which he transformed the equation taking into consideration the following:

• There is no heat exchange as the compression and rarefaction of the sound wave takes place rapidly.

• The temperature does not remain constant, and the movement of a sound wave in the air is an adiabatic process.

Laplace explains the relation of velocity and pressure by the following formula:

v = $\frac{\gamma P}{\rho}$

In the above equation,

v denotes the sound waves’ velocity, which is measured using m/s.

P denotes the pressure of the medium measured using N/m2.

$\gamma$ denotes the adiabatic constant.

ρ stands for the density of the medium, measured using kg/m2.

Laplace’s correction for Newton’s formula explains the relation between velocity and pressure, as pressure is directly proportional to the square of velocity. Hence, when pressure increases, velocity also increases and vice versa.