The total energy line is always higher than the hydraulic grade line; the vertical distance between them represents
Choose the correct answer
the velocity head
the datum head
the pressure head
the piezometric head
Correct Answer
A. the velocity head
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Total Energy Line (TEL) = p/(gamma_w) + V^2/(2g) + z = total head at each section. Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) = p/(gamma_w) + z = piezometric head. TEL = HGL + V^2/(2g) at every cross-section. At pipe contractions velocity increases so HGL drops; at expansions HGL rises. HGL below pipe invert → sub-atmospheric pressure. TEL lies above HGL by velocity head.
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This MCQ belongs to WBPSC AE Previous Years Questions Series. Full tests include timed attempts, rank comparison and subject-wise analysis.