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Bernoulli's principle statement

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 17 of 20 on Physics for Aviation. ACS element AM.I.J.K4 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to Bernoulli's principle, what happens to the static pressure of a fluid at a point where its velocity increases, provided no energy is added to or taken away from the fluid?

  1. AIt decreases
  2. BIt increases
  3. CIt remains constant
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It decreases

  • A — correct Bernoulli's principle states that static pressure decreases at points where the velocity of the fluid increases, as long as no energy is added or removed.
  • B — incorrect Static pressure and velocity move in opposite directions. Higher velocity means lower static pressure, not higher.
  • C — incorrect Total energy remains constant, but static pressure does not. Kinetic energy gained as velocity rises is taken from the potential energy represented by static pressure.

BACKGROUND

Bernoulli's principle was originally stated to explain liquid flowing through tubes of varying cross-sectional area, such as a venturi. It states that the static pressure of a fluid, liquid or gas, decreases at points where the velocity of the fluid increases, provided no energy is added to nor taken away from the fluid. The velocity of the air represents kinetic energy and the static pressure represents potential energy. In the narrow section of a venturi the fluid moves faster and the pressure gauge reads lower; in the wide sections it moves slower and the pressure is higher. This principle explains lift on a wing and the operation of a float-type carburetor.

STUDY TIP

Link velocity and static pressure as a trade between kinetic and potential energy: when one goes up, the other goes down.

KEY POINTS

  • Higher velocity means lower static pressure
  • Applies only when no energy is added or removed
  • Velocity is kinetic energy; static pressure is potential energy

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch05 "Bernoulli's Principle"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.