What happens to water discharge if the cross-sectional area of a pipe increases?

When considering the relationship between the cross-sectional area of a pipe and water discharge, it is important to understand the principles of fluid dynamics. Discharge refers to the volume of water flowing through a section of the pipe over time. According to the principle of continuity, when the cross-sectional area of a pipe increases, the flow rate or discharge must also increase, assuming the velocity of the fluid is affected by changes in pressure and other conditions.

In a larger cross-sectional area, there is more space for water to flow through. This allows for a higher volume of water to pass through the pipe per unit of time, which leads to an increase in discharge. This concept aligns with the equation of continuity, where flow rate (discharge) is a product of velocity and area. If the area increases while keeping the flow continuity intact, the discharge naturally increases to accommodate the greater area.

Therefore, when the cross-sectional area of a pipe increases, discharge will also increase as more water can flow through that area over the same period.