Are fluids compressible or incompressible???

[userman]

On page 68 of the BR chem book 2, it says that "Liquids are compressible"
and on page 84 of the BR physics book 2, it says that "liquids are incompressible"


So what is it??

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[Gryhu]

Under steady conditions, liquids are incompressible. But under high pressure conditions, density can change, and liquids could become compressed.

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes...s/FluidDynamics/Compressible/Compressible.htm

I think for the MCAT it will be mentioned in the passage what conditions the liquid is in. Anyone else want to chime in?

 

[fizzgig]

i'd be interested in the context of the chem statement.

my money would be on treating all liquids as incompressible unless you come across a passage that really emphasizes the INCREDIBLY high pressure being used for something...

 

[wanderer]

For purpose of the MCAT they are incompressible. I believe that calculus is needed to solve equations where there is compression involved, which is why algebra based physics does not mention these circumstances. As such, you will not be tested on these concepts.

 

[phltz]

Under reasonable pressures most _liquids_ are essentially incompressible. However it is worth noting that, _fluids_ include both liquids and gasses. And gasses should always be treated as compressible. Be careful not to confuse liquids and fluids.

 

[Lokhtar]

Under steady conditions, liquids are incompressible. But under high pressure conditions, density can change, and liquids could become compressed.

http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes...s/FluidDynamics/Compressible/Compressible.htm

I think for the MCAT it will be mentioned in the passage what conditions the liquid is in. Anyone else want to chime in?

Yup, though assume incompressible, unless they explicitly say otherwise.