Which of the following terms describes the measure of the potential energy of the fluid in a pump system?

The measure of the potential energy of the fluid in a pump system is best described by the term total head. Total head represents the entire energy per unit weight that is available to move fluid through a system. It encompasses contributions from both static energy, which is the potential energy of the fluid due to its elevation, and dynamic energy, which reflects the energy related to the fluid's velocity. Essentially, total head considers pressure head, elevation head (static), and velocity head, giving a comprehensive understanding of the energy state within the system.

In the context of pumping systems, understanding total head is crucial for selecting the appropriate pump, as it ensures that the pump can overcome various resistances and deliver the required flow rate. The other terms relate to specific aspects of fluid energy. Dynamic head pertains to the energy associated solely with the fluid's motion, kinetic head is specifically linked to the fluid's velocity, and static head refers to the potential energy present when there is no fluid movement, which is only one component of the overall energy in the system.