Which term describes the effect of forces on the movement of fluid?

The term "fluid mechanics" encompasses the study of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces acting upon them. It includes analyzing how fluids behave at rest and in motion, considering the effects of various forces such as pressure, viscosity, and gravity on fluid movement. Fluid mechanics serves as the foundation for understanding various subfields, including fluid dynamics, which specifically focuses on the behavior of moving fluids.

"Fluid dynamics," while related, is a more specific branch of fluid mechanics that deals exclusively with fluids in motion. The term "hydrodynamics" refers specifically to the dynamics of liquids, and "aerodynamics" pertains to the behavior of air and other gases in motion. Thus, while all these terms relate to the movement of fluids and the forces involved, fluid mechanics is the broadest and most encompassing term that best describes the effect of forces on the movement of a fluid as a whole.