• id: JME-09-N15
• title: Exam Strategy for Fluid Mechanics
• tags: strategy, problem-solving, jee

Hydrostatics problems: Identify the reference point and apply $P = P_0 + \rho gh$. For multiple fluids, add pressure contributions layer by layer. For U-tubes, equate pressures at the same horizontal level.

Buoyancy problems: Draw free body diagram showing weight, buoyancy, and any other forces. For floating: weight = buoyancy. For apparent weight: $W_{\text{app}} = W - F_B$.

Bernoulli problems: (1) Identify two points on the same streamline. (2) Apply continuity if cross-section changes. (3) Apply Bernoulli: $P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho gh_1 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho gh_2$. (4) Use boundary conditions (open surface: $P = P_0$, large tank: $v \approx 0$).

Viscosity problems: For terminal velocity, always set $F_{\text{drag}} + F_{\text{buoyancy}} = F_{\text{weight}}$ and solve.