Interactive Self-Study Module: Mechanical Energy Balance
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and interactive simulations to explain the mechanical energy balance and Bernoulli’s equation. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using interactive simulation(s), and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order.
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencast or working with the simulations.
- Watch the screencast that describes the mechanical energy balance and Bernoulli’s equation and answer the question within the screencast.
- Review important equations for the mechanical energy balance.
- Use the interactive simulation(s) to further understand Bernoulli’s equation.
- Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
- Energy balances for fluid flows between tanks and process units are important in chemical processes.
- This is intended for a material and energy balances course.
Before studying this module, you should:
- Be able to explain the first law for open systems.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Apply Bernoulli’s equations to determine flow rates.
- Know where to apply Bernoulli’s Equation in a system.
- Make assumptions based on the physical nature of the problem.
- Use Bernoulli’s equation to find velocity, pressure, and/or height at any point in the system.
- Use the continuity equation in conjunction with Bernoulli’s equation to relate two velocities.