Final answer:
The superficial velocity is the term used to describe the volumetric flow rate divided by the cross-sectional area in a packed-bed column filled with particles. It helps analyze the flow of fluids in pipes or conduits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The volumetric flow rate divided by the cross-sectional area available to the fluid within a packed-bed column filled with particles is called the superficial velocity. This term is used in fluid dynamics to analyze the flow of fluids in pipes or conduits. The superficial velocity helps determine the rate at which the fluid moves through the column and is calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate by the cross-sectional area.
For example, if you have a packed-bed column with a volumetric flow rate of 10 cubic meters per second and a cross-sectional area of 5 square meters, then the superficial velocity would be 2 meters per second.