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Physics Question 33 – JEE-MAIN 2026

A liquid of density 600 kg/m3 flowing steadily in a tube of varying cross-section. The cross-section at a point A is 1.0 cm2 and that at B is 20 mm2. Both the points A and B are in same horizontal plane, the speed of the liquid at A is 10 cm/s. The difference in pressures at A and B points is _______ Pa.

This problem involves the steady flow of an incompressible fluid through a tube of varying cross-section, requiring the application of fundamental fluid dynamics principles.

Step 1: Convert Units and Calculate Velocity at B✦ Active

First, convert all given values to SI units:

AA=1.0 cm2=1.0×10−4 m2 AB=20 mm2=20×(10−3)2 m2=2.0×10−5 m2 vA=10 cm/s=0.1 m/s ρ=600 kg/m3

Apply the Equation of Continuity (AAvA=ABvB) to find the velocity at point B (vB):

(1.0×10−4 m2)×(0.1 m/s)=(2.0×10−5 m2)×vB vB=1.0×10−52.0×10−5=0.5 m/s
Step 2: Apply Bernoulli's Principle○ Expand

Since points A and B are in the same horizontal plane, their heights are equal (hA=hB). Bernoulli's equation (P+12ρv2+ρgh=constant) simplifies to:

PA+12ρvA2=PB+12ρvB2

Rearrange the equation to find the pressure difference PA−PB:

PA−PB=12ρvB2−12ρvA2=12ρ(vB2−vA2)
💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Remember to cancel out the potential energy term if the points are at the same height.

Step 3: Calculate the Pressure Difference○ Expand

Substitute the known values into the simplified Bernoulli's equation:

PA−PB=12×600 kg/m3×((0.5 m/s)2−(0.1 m/s)2)PA−PB=300×(0.25−0.01)PA−PB=300×0.24PA−PB=72 Pa
💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Ensure all calculations are performed with consistent units to avoid errors.

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