Certified Energy Auditor Practice Exam

What are the two main types of airflow?

1. Vacuum and pressure

2. Laminar and turbulent

3. Stagnant and dynamic

4. Direct and indirect

The correct answer is: Laminar and turbulent

The correct choice identifies the two main types of airflow as laminar and turbulent. Laminar flow refers to a smooth and orderly movement of fluid where layers move parallel to each other, allowing for a consistent and predictable flow behavior. This type of airflow is characterized by low velocity and a streamlined motion, which can be observed in certain conditions, such as in small-diameter pipes or under controlled experimental environments. In contrast, turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and irregular movement of fluid. It involves mixing and swirling motion, resulting in large fluctuations in velocity and pressure. This type of flow is typical in larger pipes or natural bodies of water and can increase resistance and energy losses due to its more complex nature. Understanding these types of airflow is essential in fields like HVAC, fluid dynamics, and energy auditing, as they influence how air moves through systems and impacts energy efficiency. The other identified types of airflow—vacuum and pressure, stagnant and dynamic, and direct and indirect—do not represent the fundamental characteristics of flow patterns like laminar and turbulent do. Each of those contrasts focuses on different aspects of movement, such as the presence of vacuum versus pressure or the state of motion versus inaction, rather than the streamlined versus chaotic nature of fluid flow.