What is a Continuum? And Why Is it Important?

[@claytonbennett7797]

Thank you for explaining this conceptually without introducing math first. I think most professors are incapable of that.

[@jasonmb2728]

I haven't seen any physics formula since high school (which was 10 years ago) but I understand what he's talking about. Conclusion: This guy is actually good.

[@chiedzachimedza5132]

Excellent explanation.😱👏

[@ingmarfalk3306]

Best explanation i have seen yet

[@ishakaimen1576]

You didn't tell us why this assumption will hold even though the assumption doesn't really represent reality

[@rosskious7084]

The assumption holds because it is the best thing we have . Just like we in thermodynamics we use reversibility of a process to do calculations because it is the best thing we have. In thermodynamics we have to make “ real life adjustments “ to amend for the errors. In fluid flow it works out because we are not dealing with the fluid flow at that small of range. If we somehow needed to deal with fluid flow at that level…. Then yes it would break down because the properties are NOT the same. Mechanical engineers are worried about pumps that move fluids in real life sizes and can verify that the formulas work through real life test. Even though they realize its limitations, because they are not going to be working at that range.

[@magnusjonsson7303]

Continuum is arbitrium.