| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| VACUUM |
A pressure below atmospheric pressure. |
| VACUUM GAUGE |
Pressure gauge used to measure pressures below the atmosphere. |
| VACUUM PUMPS |
Low-pressure air compressors that take suction from a region below atmospheric pressure (turbine condenser) and discharge into the atmosphere. |
| VALENCE |
The number of electrons that an atom tends to gain or lose. |
| VALENCE ELECTRON |
An electron in the outer shell of an atom that takes part in forming chemical bonds or in the flow of electrical current. |
| VALVE |
Any device modifying or closing off the passage of fluid through a pipe. |
| VANE |
That portion of an impeller that throws the water toward the volute case. |
| VAPOUR |
A gas particularly one near to equilibrium with the liquid phase of the substance. In general, any gases below its critical temperature. |
| VARIABLE |
Any condition that may change continuously such as pressure, temperature, flow rate or level. |
| VECTOR |
A quantity that has both magnitude and direction. The force of gravity is an example of a vector. |
| VELOCITY HEAD |
The height of fluid equivalent to its velocity pressure. |
| VERB |
A word that expresses physical or mental action or a state of being. |
| VERTEX |
The common end point of the two sides of an angle. |
| VERTICAL LINE |
A line perpendicular (90 degrees) to the horizontal. |
| VISCOSITY |
The resistance of a liquid to flow. |