👉 The term "fluid" in the context of fluid dynamics refers to a substance that can flow and change shape without breaking into smaller pieces, unlike solids or gases which do not flow in the same way. When discussing fluid in a paragraph, we're typically referring to liquids or gases that exhibit properties of both liquids and gases. For instance, a fluid can move smoothly and maintain its shape when confined to a container but will spread out when released, demonstrating its ability to flow. This characteristic is due to the weak intermolecular forces between fluid molecules, allowing them to slide past one another. The behavior of fluids is governed by principles like viscosity and surface tension, which describe how easily they flow and interact with surfaces, respectively.
