Streams

In physics, a stream refers to the flow of a fluid, such as water or air, in a well-defined channel. Understanding the behavior of streams is important in various fields, including fluid mechanics and environmental science.

Key Concepts

Streamflow: The movement of water in a natural or artificial channel.
Velocity: The speed and direction of the water flow in a stream.
Discharge: The volume of water flowing through a cross-section of a stream over a given period of time.
Channel Characteristics: The physical features of the stream channel, including width, depth, and roughness.
Sediment Transport: The movement of solid particles (sediment) in a stream, influenced by the stream's velocity and discharge.

Stream Velocity

The velocity of a stream is determined by various factors, including the slope of the channel, the roughness of the channel bed, and the volume of water flowing through the channel. The velocity can be calculated using the formula:

V = Q / A

Where V is the velocity, Q is the discharge, and A is the cross-sectional area of the stream.

Stream Discharge

Discharge is a crucial parameter for understanding the flow of water in a stream. It is calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the stream by the velocity of the water:

Q = A * V

Where Q is the discharge, A is the cross-sectional area, and V is the velocity.

Stream Channel Characteristics

The physical dimensions and roughness of the stream channel play a significant role in determining the behavior of the stream. Wide, deep, and smooth channels tend to have different flow characteristics compared to narrow, shallow, and rough channels. The shape and slope of the channel also influence the velocity and discharge of the stream.

Sediment Transport

Streams are responsible for transporting sediment, such as sand and gravel, downstream. The ability of a stream to transport sediment is related to its velocity and discharge. When the velocity of the stream decreases, it may deposit sediment, leading to the formation of features such as bars and deltas.

Study Tips

When studying streams, it is important to understand the fundamental principles of fluid mechanics, including the concepts of flow, pressure, and forces. Additionally, practicing calculations related to stream velocity, discharge, and sediment transport can help reinforce the understanding of these concepts.

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Thermodynamics

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)

Matter and Its Interactions

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.

Energy

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).