Continuity Equation

Physics Continuity Equation

An Introduction of Continuity Equation

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A continuity equation becomes useful if a flux can be defined. To explain flux, first, there
must be a quantity q that can flow or move, such as energy, mass, electric charge,
momentum, number of molecules, etc. Let us assume ρ is the volume density of this
quantity (q), that is, the amount of q per unit volume.

The way by which this quantity q is flowing is described by its flux.

In Continuity Equation, Flux is of Two Types:

Volumetric Flux - Across a unit area, the rate of volume flow is known as
Volumetric flux. It is calculated by the formula Volumetric flux
3 −1 −2
=liters/(second*area). Its SI unit is (m s m )

−2 −1
Mass Flux - It is the rate of mass flow. Its SI unit is (kg m s ). It is

represented by the symbols j, J, Q, q.

What is the Continuity Equation?

The continuity equation is an equation that describes the transport of some quantities
like fluid or gas. It is also known as the transport equation. The continuity equation is
very simple and powerful when it is applied to a conserved quantity. When it is applied
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to an extensive quantity it can be generalized. Physical phenomena are conserved
using continuity equations like energy, mass, momentum, natural quantities, and electric
charge.

According to the continuity equation:

A 1 V1 = A 2 V2

Where,

A1 = cross-sectional area of region 1

V1 = flow velocity in region 1

A2 = cross-sectional area of region 2

V2 = flow velocity in region 2.

Continuity equations are a local and stronger form of conservation laws. For example, a
weak version of the law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be
created nor destroyed which means that the total amount of energy in the universe is
fixed. It means energy can neither be created nor destroyed nor can it teleport from one
place to another—it can only move by continuous flow. 

A continuity equation is nothing but a mathematical way to explain this kind of

statement. The continuity equation consists of many other transport equations like the
convection-diffusion equation, Navier–Stokes equations, and the Boltzmann transport
equation. 

Convection–Diffusion Equation - It is a combination of convection and diffusion

equations. It describes the physical phenomena where particles, energy, and
other physical quantities are transferred with the help of 'diffusion and convection'
inside a physical system.
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Boltzmann Transport Equation - Boltzmann transport equation describes the
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behavior (statistical in nature) of the thermodynamic system, which is not in the
state of rest or equilibrium. 
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Continuity Principle 
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Continuity principle refers to the principle of fluid mechanics. The principle of continuity
equation is a consequence of the law of conservation of mass. Through the continuity
equation, the behavior of fluid is described when it is in motion. Whereas, theLet'ssecond
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equation is based on Newton's law of motion (which describes the motion of an object
and the force acting on its flow) and the third equation is based on 'the law of
conservation of energy (which states that mass can be neither created nor destroyed.)

Integral Form
The integral form of the continuity equation says that:

When additional q flows inward through the surface of the region, the amount of q
in a region increases and decreases when it flows outward;

When new q is created inside a region the number of q increases and decreases

When q is destroyed;

Apart from these two methods, there is no other way for the amount of q in a
region to change.

In terms of mathematics, the integral form of the continuity equation expressing the rate
of increase of q within a volume V is:

dq
+ ∯ Sj. dS = ∑
dt

Here, S  denotes an imaginary closed surface, that encloses a volume V,

∯S dS  is a surface integral over that closed surface,

q denotes the total amount of the quantity in volume V,

J is the flux of q,

t denotes time.

And Σ is the net rate that q is being produced inside the volume V.

Flow Rate Formula

This equation gives very useful information about the flow of liquids and their behavior
when it flows in a pipe or hose. The hose, a flexible tube, whose diameter decreases
along its length has a direct consequence. The volume of water flowing through the
hose must be equal to the flow rate on the other end. The flow rate of a liquid means
how much a liquid passes through an area in a given time.

The formula for the flow rate is given below- 

The Equation of Continuity can be written as:

m = ρi1 vi1 Ai1 + ρi2 vi2 A i2 +. . . . . +ρin vin A in

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m=ρ01 v01 A01 + ρ02 v02 A 02 + … . +ρ0n v0n A 0n ……….. (1)

Where,

m = Mass flow rate

ρ = Density

v = Speed

A = Area

With uniform density equation (1) it can be modified further -

q = vi1 Ai1 + vi2 A i2 +. . . . +vi mA im

q= v01 A 01 + v02 A 02 +. . . . +V0m A 0m

Where,

q = Flow rate

ρi1 = ρi2 . . = ρin = ρ01 = ρ02 = … . = ρ0m

Fluid Dynamics
The continuity equation in fluid dynamics says that in any steady-state process, the rate
at which mass leaves the system is equal to the rate at which mass enters a system
including the accumulation of mass within the system.

The differential form of the continuity equation is:

∂ρ∂t + ▽⋅(ρu)=0

Where,

t = Time

ρ = Fluid density

u = Flow velocity vector field.

The derivative time can be understood as the loss of mass in accumulation inside the
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system, while the divergence term means the difference in flow in and flow out. The
above-mentioned equation is also one of the (fluid dynamics) Euler equations. The
equations of Navier–Stokes form a vector continuity equation expressing the
conservation of linear momentum.

Uses of the Continuity Equation

The continuity equation is commonly used in pipes, tubes, and ducts. These structures
have flowing fluid or gasses etc. which need a specific flow to be moved. Continuity
equation can also be applied to huge water sources such as rivers, lakes, etc. This
equation can also be applied in diaries, power plants, road logistics, etc. 

Along with this, the modern application of continuity equations includes computer
networking and semiconductor technologies, etc. which uses a specific path to move
data from one location to another. It is also used in gas pipelines and underground
connections to transport gas. 

Continuity Equation Example

1. If 10 m³/h of water flows through a 100 mm inside diameter pipe. If the inside
diameter of the pipe is reduced to 80 mm. Calculate the velocities.

Solution) Velocity of 100 mm pipe:

Putting the equation (2), to calculate the velocity of 100 mm pipe

(10 m³/h)(1/3600 h/s)=v100 (3.14(0.1 m) 2/4)

or,

v100= (10 m³/h) (1/3600 h/s) (3.14(0.1)2/4)

=0.35 m/s

Velocity of 80 mm pipe:

Again applying equation (2), to calculate the velocity of 80 mm pipe

(10 m³/h)(1/3600 h/s)= v80 (3.14(0.08 m) 2/4)

or,

v80= (10 m³/h) (1/3600 h/s) (3.14(0.08 m)2/4)

=0.55 m/s.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the differential form of the continuity equation?
According to the divergence theorem, a general continuity equation can also be written in a "differential
form." 
The differential form of the continuity equation can be written as given below-
∂⍴/∂t  + ∇・j = σ
Where,
∇⋅ denotes divergence,
ρ = the amount of the q per unit volume,
j means the flux of q,
t is the time,
σ = q per unit volume per unit produced.
Terms that generate q (i.e. σ > 0) or remove q (i.e. σ < 0) are known as "sources" and "sinks" respectively.
This general continuity equation can be used to derive any continuity equation, from simple to complicated.
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2. How to derive the continuity equation?

3. What is the role of continuous equations in Electromagnetism and mass

conservation?

4. What is streamlined flow? How can we know by continuity equation if the

flow is streamline or not?

5. On which law is the equation of continuity based? explain that law with an
example.

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