Everyday Science · 45 sec
Turbulence
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is fluid motion exhibiting chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity.
- How it works
It is in contrast to laminar flow, which occurs when a fluid flows in parallel layers with no disruption between those layers.
- Why it matters
Turbulence is commonly observed in everyday phenomena such as surf, fast flowing rivers, billowing storm clouds, or smoke from a chimney, and most fluid flows occurring in nature or created in engineering
Why this matters
Look for Turbulence the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Turbulence the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Turbulence?
- The useful idea — correct
- How it works
- Why it matters
In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is fluid motion exhibiting chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity.