Question:

Adverse pressure gradient implies that ______.

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Think about whether the pressure change is pushing the flow forward or holding it back near a wall.
Updated On: Jul 28, 2026
  • pressure decreases in the direction of flow
  • pressure increases in the direction of flow
  • pressure is zero everywhere within the flow field
  • pressure is uniform (non-zero) everywhere within the flow field
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The term "pressure gradient" describes how pressure changes along the direction of flow, and whether that change helps or fights the flow decides if it is called favourable or adverse.

  1. pressure decreases in the direction of flow: this is a favourable pressure gradient, since falling pressure pushes the flow forward and speeds up the fluid, so it is wrong here.
  2. pressure increases in the direction of flow: rising pressure works against the flow, slows the fluid down near the wall, and can eventually reverse it, which is exactly what an adverse pressure gradient means. This is the correct choice.
  3. pressure is zero everywhere within the flow field: this describes no pressure at all, not a gradient, so it does not match the question.
  4. pressure is uniform (non-zero) everywhere within the flow field: uniform pressure means zero gradient, which is neither favourable nor adverse, so this is also wrong.

So an adverse pressure gradient means the pressure increases in the direction of flow, option B.

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