The Continuity Equation

The Continuity Equation is a principle in fluid dynamics that states that, for an incompressible fluid flowing through a pipe or channel, the amount of fluid entering a section must equal the amount leaving, assuming there's no accumulation. This means if the cross-sectional area of the pipe decreases, the fluid must move faster; if it widens, the flow slows down. Essentially, it ensures mass conservation, linking flow rate, velocity, and cross-sectional area, and helps predict how fluids behave in different pipe systems or natural flows.