Static head is a measure of what property of a fluid?

Static head measures the potential energy of a fluid due to its elevation above a reference point, often related to the height of the fluid column in a system. This concept is fundamental in hydraulic design and fluid mechanics, as it signifies the energy available to the fluid for performing work, such as pushing through a piping system or overcoming gravitational forces.

When considering fluid behavior, potential energy is derived from the position of the fluid in a gravitational field. The higher the fluid is located, the more potential energy it possesses, which can be transformed into kinetic energy as the fluid is allowed to move downward. This relationship highlights the importance of static head in applications like water supply systems, where the height of a water source significantly impacts pressure and flow characteristics.

Dynamic energy, temperature energy, and kinetic energy relate to other aspects of fluid behavior. Dynamic energy concerns the movement of the fluid, while kinetic energy pertains to the energy of motion. Conversely, temperature energy involves thermal interactions which do not directly correlate to the potential energy associated with static head.