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CBSE - Class 11 Physics Mechanical Properties of Fluids Worksheet
Figure 10.24 (a) shows a thin liquid film supporting a small weight = $4.5 \times 10^{-2} N$. What is the weight supported by a film of the same liquid at the same temperature in Fig. (b) and (c) ? Explain your answer physically.

Worksheet Answers
Solution:
To ensure dimensional consistency, all values are converted to the International System of Units (SI).
The force exerted by the weight of the car on the output piston is determined by Newton's Second Law of Motion [Per $F = mg$].
$F = M \times g$
$F = 3000\text{ kg} \times 9.8\text{ m/s}^2 = 29,400\text{ N}$
According to Pascal's Law, the pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid and the walls of the containing vessel. Therefore, the pressure at the output piston ($P$) must be equal to the pressure exerted on the smaller input piston [Per Pascal's Principle of Pressure Transmission].
$P = \frac{F}{A}$
Substituting the calculated force and the given area into the pressure formula:
$P = \frac{29400\text{ N}}{0.0425\text{ m}^2}$
$P \approx 691,764.7\text{ Pa}$
Rounding to significant figures consistent with the input data ($3000$ kg and $425$ cm$^2$):
$P \approx 6.92 \times 10^5\text{ Pa}$
Final Solution: The maximum pressure the smaller piston must bear is $6.92 \times 10^5\text{ Pa}$ (or approx $6.92 \times 10^5\text{ N/m}^2$).
Solution:
Bernoulli’s equation is derived based on the Work-Energy Theorem applied to a streamline flow of an ideal fluid [Per the Law of Conservation of Energy]. The derivation assumes that the fluid is incompressible and non-viscous (laminar flow with zero internal friction). The total energy per unit mass is conserved because dissipative forces, such as viscosity and turbulence, are neglected.
Dissipative forces are primarily internal frictional forces caused by the viscosity of the fluid. When a fluid flows, different layers move with different velocities, creating a velocity gradient $\frac{dv}{dx}$. According to Newton’s Law of Viscosity, the viscous force $F$ is given by:
$F = \eta A \frac{dv}{dx}$
Where $\eta$ is the coefficient of viscosity and $A$ is the area of contact. As fluid velocity increases, the velocity gradient $\frac{dv}{dx}$ typically increases, leading to a significant rise in viscous drag.
The importance of dissipative forces is dictated by the Reynolds Number ($R_e$):
$R_e = \frac{\rho v D}{\eta}$
Where $\rho$ is the density, $v$ is the average velocity, $D$ is the hydraulic diameter, and $\eta$ is the dynamic viscosity. As velocity $v$ increases, $R_e$ increases. When $R_e$ exceeds a critical threshold (typically $2000–4000$), the flow regime shifts from laminar to turbulent.
As the velocity increases, the following physical phenomena occur:
Final Solution: Yes, dissipative forces become significantly more important as fluid velocity increases. High velocities induce higher velocity gradients, increasing viscous losses, and promote the transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow, where kinetic energy is dissipated into thermal energy via vortex formation, rendering the ideal-flow assumptions of Bernoulli’s equation increasingly inaccurate.
Solution:
The shape of a liquid surface at the point of contact with a solid is determined by the balance of three interfacial surface tensions acting at the junction. Let:
The angle of contact ($\theta$) is defined as the angle between the tangent to the liquid surface at the point of contact and the solid surface inside the liquid. [Per Young-Dupré equation]:
$\cos \theta = \frac{\gamma_{sg} - \gamma_{sl}}{\gamma_{lg}}$
The nature of the angle $\theta$ depends on the relative magnitudes of the cohesive forces (between liquid molecules) and adhesive forces (between liquid and solid molecules).
| Interface | Adhesive vs. Cohesive Relation | Resultant $\cos \theta$ |
|---|---|---|
| Water-Glass | Adhesive forces > Cohesive forces | $\gamma_{sg} > \gamma_{sl} \implies \cos \theta > 0$ |
| Mercury-Glass | Cohesive forces > Adhesive forces | $\gamma_{sg} < \gamma_{sl} \implies \cos \theta < 0$ |
For Water-Glass: The adhesive force between water molecules and glass molecules is significantly stronger than the cohesive force between water molecules. To minimize the system's potential energy, the water spreads against the glass, pulling the liquid upward and resulting in an acute angle ($\theta < 90^\circ$).
For Mercury-Glass: The cohesive force between mercury molecules is vastly stronger than the adhesive force between mercury and glass. The mercury minimizes its contact area with the glass to maintain its spherical shape, causing the liquid to depress and form an obtuse angle ($\theta > 90^\circ$).
Final Solution: The angle of contact is acute for water-glass because adhesive forces exceed cohesive forces, drawing the liquid against the surface; it is obtuse for mercury-glass because cohesive forces exceed adhesive forces, causing the liquid to recede from the surface.
Solution:
Surface tension ($\gamma$) is defined as the force per unit length acting in the plane of the interface between a liquid and another medium. At the molecular level, this property arises from the net inward cohesive force experienced by molecules at the liquid surface, as they lack an equal number of neighboring molecules compared to those in the bulk liquid [Per the Kinetic Molecular Theory].
As the temperature ($T$) of a liquid increases, the average kinetic energy of its molecules increases. This rise in thermal agitation results in the following physical consequences:
Mathematically, the empirical relation for surface tension variation with temperature is often approximated by the Eötvös rule or the van der Waals relation, which shows an inverse correlation:
$\gamma(T) \approx \gamma_0 \left( 1 - \frac{T}{T_c} \right)^n$
where $T_c$ is the critical temperature and $n$ is a constant [By the Thermodynamic Definition of Surface Energy]. Since $\gamma$ decreases as $T$ approaches $T_c$ (where surface tension becomes zero), it is established that the thermal energy works against the cohesive forces that sustain surface tension.
Given the inverse relationship between thermal kinetic energy and the strength of cohesive intermolecular forces, an increase in temperature invariably leads to a reduction in the energy required to create a new unit of surface area. Therefore, the surface tension of liquids generally decreases with an increase in temperature.
Final Solution: Surface tension of liquids generally decreases with temperatures.
Solution:
In a thin liquid film, surface tension acts along the boundaries where the liquid interfaces with the solid frame. The force of surface tension ($F_s$) acting on a length $L$ of the film is given by $F_s = \gamma \times L \times n$, where $\gamma$ is the surface tension of the liquid and $n$ is the number of free surfaces. Since a soap film has two surfaces (top and bottom), the total force supporting the weight $W$ is $F_s = 2 \gamma L$ [Per the definition of surface tension force on a film].
In Figure (a), the weight $W_a = 4.5 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{N}$ is supported by the film of length $L$. The balance of forces is: $W_a = 2 \gamma L$ Given $W_a = 4.5 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{N}$.
In Figure (b), the slider length $L$ remains identical to Figure (a). Although the frame shape is different, the effective length of the liquid film supporting the weight is still $L$, and the liquid film still possesses two surfaces. Therefore, the force supported is: $W_b = 2 \gamma L$ Since $2 \gamma L = W_a$, then $W_b = W_a$. $W_b = 4.5 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{N}$.
In Figure (c), the slider length is the same as in (a) and (b), which is $L$. The orientation or shape of the wire frame does not alter the surface tension force magnitude as long as the length of the contact line $L$ and the number of surfaces ($n=2$) remain unchanged [By the Principle of Surface Tension proportionality]. Therefore: $W_c = 2 \gamma L = W_a$ $W_c = 4.5 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{N}$.
The weight supported by a liquid film depends exclusively on the surface tension of the liquid ($\gamma$), the length of the slider ($L$), and the number of free surfaces of the film.
Final Solution: For both Figures (b) and (c), the weight supported is 4.5 × 10⁻² N, because the effective length of the film and the surface tension remain unchanged.
Solution:
To analyze a fluid in a steady flow undergoing a change in cross-sectional area (a constriction), we must distinguish between the principle governing mass flow and the principle governing energy transformation.
When a fluid enters a constriction, the cross-sectional area decreases ($A_2 < A_1$). By the Equation of Continuity, since $A_1v_1 = A_2v_2$, it follows that $v_2 = v_1(A_1/A_2)$. Because $A_1/A_2 > 1$, the velocity must increase ($v_2 > v_1$).
The question asks specifically for the principle followed by the increase in flow speed. While Bernoulli's principle describes the pressure drop that *accompanies* the increase in speed, the increase in speed *itself* is a direct manifestation of the requirement that mass is conserved across a flow channel.
| Phenomenon | Governing Principle |
|---|---|
| Change in speed due to area change | Conservation of Mass (Continuity Equation) |
| Pressure change due to speed change | Bernoulli’s Principle |
Therefore, the increase in flow speed at a constriction is dictated by the requirement that the mass flux remains constant throughout the pipe.
Final Solution: For a fluid in a steady flow, the increase in flow speed at a constriction follows conservation of mass.
Solution:
The phenomenon is governed by Bernoulli's Principle, which states that for an incompressible, non-viscous, steady flow of fluid, the sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy per unit volume remains constant along a streamline [Per Bernoulli’s Equation].
The equation is expressed as:
$P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh = \text{constant}$
Where:
Consider a light piece of paper held horizontally. Let $P_{atm}$ be the atmospheric pressure. There are two surfaces involved: the top surface and the bottom surface.
When you blow over the paper, you impart velocity $v$ to the air above it, while the air beneath the paper remains relatively stationary ($v \approx 0$).
By Bernoulli's Principle ($P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2$):
Since $v_{top} > v_{bot}$, it follows that $P_{top} < P_{bot}$.
The pressure difference ($\Delta P = P_{bot} - P_{top}$) creates an upward force called Dynamic Lift.
$F_{lift} = (P_{bot} - P_{top}) \times A = \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 A$
This upward force offsets the force of gravity ($mg$), effectively keeping the paper horizontal or causing it to lift.
Blowing over the paper creates a region of high velocity and low pressure above the paper. Because the pressure below the paper is higher than the pressure above it, a net upward force is generated, which counteracts the gravitational weight of the paper, keeping it elevated and horizontal.
Final Solution: Blowing over the paper creates a pressure difference (lower pressure above, higher pressure below) according to Bernoulli's Principle, generating an upward lift force that supports the paper against gravity.
Solution:
Bernoulli’s equation is derived from the work-energy theorem applied to a streamline flow of an incompressible, non-viscous fluid. The equation is represented as:
$P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh = \text{Constant}$
Where:
The relationship between Absolute Pressure ($P_a$) and Gauge Pressure ($P_g$) is defined by the atmospheric pressure ($P_{atm}$):
$P_a = P_g + P_{atm} \implies P_g = P_a - P_{atm}$
[Per the definition of pressure measurement standards in fluid mechanics].
Consider two points (1 and 2) along a streamline. Applying the equation using absolute pressures:
$P_{a1} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho gh_1 = P_{a2} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho gh_2$
Substituting $P_{a} = P_{g} + P_{atm}$ into the equation:
$(P_{g1} + P_{atm}) + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho gh_1 = (P_{g2} + P_{atm}) + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho gh_2$
[By algebraic substitution property].
Since $P_{atm}$ is constant at both points in an open-system flow, it appears on both sides of the equation. Subtracting $P_{atm}$ from both sides yields:
$P_{g1} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho gh_1 = P_{g2} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho gh_2$
This demonstrates that the pressure terms effectively cancel out, leaving the structure of the equation invariant. Therefore, the use of gauge pressure instead of absolute pressure does not alter the physical validity of the results, provided that gauge pressure is used consistently across all pressure terms in the equation.
| Context | Constraint for Validity |
|---|---|
| Open systems (e.g., fluid exiting a tank) | Both sides must be atmospheric; gauge pressure makes this trivial ($P_{gauge} = 0$). |
| Closed systems | Gauge pressure works, but consistency across all terms is mandatory. |
Final Solution: No, it does not matter if one uses gauge instead of absolute pressure, provided that the same pressure scale (either gauge or absolute) is used for all pressure terms in the Bernoulli equation. The atmospheric pressure component effectively cancels out from both sides of the equation, leaving the relative pressure differences—which govern flow dynamics—identical.
Solution:
A soap film has two surfaces in contact with air (one on the front and one on the back). According to the principle of surface tension, the surface tension force acts along the length of the film. Since the film is thin and has two sides, the total force due to surface tension ($F$) is exerted on both sides of the slider.
Total effective length ($L$) = $2 \times l$ [Due to the two free surfaces of the soap film].
The force due to surface tension is defined as $F = \gamma \times L = \gamma \times (2l)$.
At equilibrium, the force exerted by the surface tension must balance the weight ($W$) supported by the slider.
$F = W$
$\gamma \times 2l = W$ [By Newton's First Law of Motion, as the slider is in static equilibrium].
Rearranging the equation to solve for surface tension ($\gamma$):
$\gamma = \frac{W}{2l}$
Substitute the given values into the equation:
$\gamma = \frac{1.5 \times 10^{-2} \text{ N}}{2 \times 0.3 \text{ m}}$
$\gamma = \frac{1.5 \times 10^{-2}}{0.6} \text{ N/m}$
$\gamma = 2.5 \times 10^{-2} \text{ N/m}$
| Variable | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight ($W$) | $1.5 \times 10^{-2} \text{ N}$ |
| Total Length ($2l$) | $0.6 \text{ m}$ |
| Result ($\gamma$) | $0.025 \text{ N/m}$ |
Final Solution: The surface tension of the soap film is $2.5 \times 10^{-2} \text{ N/m}$.
Solution:
To determine the terminal velocity ($v_t$) and the viscous force ($F_v$) acting on the spherical oil drop, we identify the following parameters provided in the problem statement:
A spherical body falling through a viscous medium attains terminal velocity when the net force acting on it is zero. At this state, the gravitational force ($F_g$) is balanced by the sum of the viscous drag force ($F_v$) and the buoyant force ($F_b$). Since buoyancy is neglected:
$F_g = F_v$
By Stokes' Law [Reference: Stokes' Law of Viscosity], the viscous force is given by $F_v = 6\pi\eta r v_t$. The gravitational force is given by $F_g = mg = \rho (\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3) g$.
Equating the forces:
$6\pi\eta r v_t = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 \rho g$
Solving for $v_t$:
$v_t = \frac{2 r^2 \rho g}{9 \eta}$
Substituting the given values into the derived formula:
$v_t = \frac{2 \times (2.0 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{m})^2 \times (1.2 \times 10^3 \, \text{kg m}^{-3}) \times 9.8 \, \text{m s}^{-2}}{9 \times (1.8 \times 10^{-5} \, \text{Pa s})}$
$v_t = \frac{2 \times (4.0 \times 10^{-10}) \times 1.2 \times 10^3 \times 9.8}{16.2 \times 10^{-5}}$
$v_t = \frac{9.408 \times 10^{-6}}{16.2 \times 10^{-5}} \approx 0.05807 \, \text{m s}^{-1}$
At terminal velocity, the viscous force $F_v$ is equal to the weight of the drop ($mg$):
$F_v = \rho \cdot V \cdot g = \rho \cdot (\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3) \cdot g$
$F_v = (1.2 \times 10^3) \times \frac{4}{3} \times 3.14159 \times (2.0 \times 10^{-5})^3 \times 9.8$
$F_v = 1.2 \times 10^3 \times 4.1888 \times 8 \times 10^{-15} \times 9.8$
$F_v \approx 3.94 \times 10^{-10} \, \text{N}$
Final Solution: The terminal speed is approximately $5.8 \times 10^{-2} \, \text{m s}^{-1}$ and the viscous force on the drop is approximately $3.94 \times 10^{-10} \, \text{N}$.
Solution:
For an ideal solid subject to a tangential (shearing) force $F$ applied over an area $A$, the material undergoes a deformation characterized by a displacement $\Delta x$. This deformation is quantified as shear strain, denoted by $\theta$ or $\gamma$. According to Hooke’s Law for shear, the shearing stress is directly proportional to the shearing strain within the elastic limit.
The relationship is expressed as:
$\sigma_s = G \cdot \gamma$
[Where $\sigma_s$ is the shearing stress ($F/A$), $G$ is the shear modulus (modulus of rigidity), and $\gamma$ is the shear strain ($\Delta x / L$)]
Fluids (liquids and gases) do not possess a modulus of rigidity; they cannot sustain a static shear stress. When a tangential force is applied to a fluid, it results in continuous deformation rather than a fixed state of strain. This is governed by Newton’s Law of Viscosity, which states that the shearing stress is proportional to the velocity gradient, also known as the rate of shear strain.
The relationship is expressed as:
$F/A = \eta \cdot \frac{dv}{dx}$
[Where $\eta$ is the coefficient of viscosity and $dv/dx$ represents the rate of shear strain, $\frac{d\gamma}{dt}$]
| State of Matter | Dependent Variable | Governing Law |
|---|---|---|
| Solid | Shear Strain ($\gamma$) | Hooke's Law |
| Fluid | Rate of Shear Strain ($\dot{\gamma} = \frac{d\gamma}{dt}$) | Newton's Law of Viscosity |
Final Solution: For solids with elastic modulus of rigidity, the shearing force is proportional to shear strain, while for fluids it is proportional to rate of shear strain.
Solution:
In a U-tube containing fluids in equilibrium, the pressure at any two points at the same horizontal level in a continuous fluid must be equal. Since the mercury columns in both arms are at the same level, the pressure exerted by the water column in the first arm must balance the pressure exerted by the methylated spirit column in the second arm at the interface with the mercury.
Let the variables be defined as follows:
[Per the Hydrostatic Pressure Law $P = \rho gh$], at the level of the mercury interface:
$P_{\text{water}} = P_{\text{spirit}}$
$\rho_w \cdot g \cdot h_w = \rho_s \cdot g \cdot h_s$
Canceling the gravitational constant ($g$) from both sides of the equation:
$\rho_w \cdot h_w = \rho_s \cdot h_s$
$\rho_s = \rho_w \cdot \left( \frac{h_w}{h_s} \right)$
Specific gravity (relative density) is defined as the ratio of the density of the substance to the density of water at standard temperature: $SG = \frac{\rho_s}{\rho_w}$.
Substituting the density ratio from Step 4:
$SG = \frac{h_w}{h_s}$
$SG = \frac{10.0 \text{ cm}}{12.5 \text{ cm}}$
$SG = 0.8$
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height of Water ($h_w$) | $10.0 \text{ cm}$ |
| Height of Spirit ($h_s$) | $12.5 \text{ cm}$ |
| Calculated Specific Gravity | 0.8 |
Final Solution: The specific gravity of the methylated spirit is 0.8.
Solution:
Surface tension ($\gamma$) is defined as the force per unit length acting perpendicular to an imaginary line drawn on the liquid surface. It arises due to the unbalanced cohesive forces experienced by molecules at the surface interface [Molecular Theory of Matter].
Inside the bulk of a liquid, a molecule is surrounded by neighbors on all sides, resulting in a net cohesive force of zero. Conversely, a molecule at the surface experiences a net inward attractive force because there are no liquid molecules above it to balance the downward pull [Newton’s Third Law of Motion applied to Intermolecular Forces].
To move a molecule from the bulk to the surface, work must be done against these inward cohesive forces. This work is stored as potential energy. Thus, the surface of a liquid possesses an excess surface energy.
Consider a rectangular film of liquid of length $l$ being extended by a small distance $\Delta x$.
The surface tension ($\gamma$) is a property that depends solely on the nature of the liquid and the surrounding medium (temperature and impurities).
Surface tension is an intensive property of the substance. Just as density ($\rho = \frac{m}{V}$) is independent of the total volume of the substance, surface tension is independent of the surface area because it is defined by the average molecular interactions at the boundary layer, which are uniform regardless of the scale of the surface.
Final Solution: Surface tension is an intensive property determined by the cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the interface; therefore, it remains constant irrespective of the total macroscopic area of the surface.
Solution:
The phenomenon is governed by the Equation of Continuity, which is a manifestation of the Principle of Conservation of Mass in fluid dynamics. For an incompressible, non-viscous fluid in steady flow, the product of the cross-sectional area ($A$) and the velocity of the fluid ($v$) remains constant at any point along the streamline:
$A_1v_1 = A_2v_2 = \text{Constant}$ [Per the Law of Conservation of Mass for steady flow]
Based on the relation derived from the continuity equation, the exit velocity $v_2$ can be expressed as:
$v_2 = v_1 \left( \frac{A_1}{A_2} \right)$
Because $A_2$ is significantly smaller than $A_1$, the ratio $\frac{A_1}{A_2}$ becomes a large value greater than 1. Consequently, $v_2$ must increase proportionally to maintain the flow rate [By the Principle of Continuity].
The total volume of water exiting the tap per unit time (volume flux) must remain constant to satisfy mass conservation [Equation of Continuity]. When the fingers obstruct the opening, the cross-sectional area ($A$) is drastically reduced. To ensure that the same volume of water per second passes through the restricted openings, the velocity ($v$) of the water particles must increase significantly.
This forced acceleration of fluid through the narrow channels creates the high-speed "jets" observed.
Final Solution: The reduction in the cross-sectional area of the water outlet, caused by the fingers, necessitates an increase in the velocity of the water flow to conserve mass, as dictated by the Equation of Continuity ($Av = \text{constant}$). Therefore, the water gushes out at a higher speed through the remaining gaps.
Solution:
First, we convert the speeds of the air from $km/h$ to $m/s$ to maintain consistency with the SI units of density ($kg/m^3$) and area ($m^2$).
According to Bernoulli's principle for horizontal flow [Per Bernoulli's Equation: $P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2$], the pressure difference ($\Delta P$) between the lower and upper surfaces is given by:
$P_1 - P_2 = \frac{1}{2}\rho (v_2^2 - v_1^2)$
Substitute the given values into the equation:
$\Delta P = \frac{1}{2} \times 1 \times (65^2 - 50^2)$
$\Delta P = 0.5 \times (4225 - 2500)$
$\Delta P = 0.5 \times 1725 = 862.5 \, Pa$
The upward lift force ($F$) generated by the pressure difference must equal the weight of the plane ($Mg$) to maintain level flight [Per Newton's Second Law of Motion].
$F = \Delta P \times A_{total}$
$F = 862.5 \times 50 = 43125 \, N$
Since $F = Mg$, we solve for mass ($M$):
$M = \frac{F}{g} = \frac{43125}{9.8}$
$M \approx 4400.51 \, kg$
Final Solution: The mass of the plane is approximately 4400.51 kg.
Solution:
The transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow in a fluid is governed by the dimensionless quantity known as the Reynolds number ($Re$), defined by the expression:
$Re = \frac{\rho v D}{\eta}$
Where:
[Per the principle of dynamic similarity in fluid mechanics, the flow regime transition occurs at a specific critical Reynolds number ($Re_c$).]
For both the scale model in the wind tunnel and the actual plane in flight, the fluid medium (air) remains the same, implying $\rho$ and $\eta$ are constant across both scenarios. To maintain dynamic similarity (i.e., to have the same $Re$ for the model and the actual plane), the following relationship must hold:
$v_m D_m = v_a D_a$
Where subscript '$m$' denotes the model and '$a$' denotes the actual plane.
Rearranging the equation to solve for the velocity $v$:
$v = \frac{Re_c \cdot \eta}{\rho \cdot D}$
From this equation, it is evident that velocity $v$ is inversely proportional to the characteristic dimension $D$ ($v \propto \frac{1}{D}$).
Since the scale model of a plane is significantly smaller than the actual plane ($D_m \ll D_a$), it mathematically follows that the velocity required to reach the critical Reynolds number for the model must be significantly higher than the velocity required for the actual plane.
Because the dimension $D$ for the model is smaller, the denominator in the proportionality $v \propto \frac{1}{D}$ decreases, forcing $v$ to increase to maintain the same critical $Re$ at which turbulence initiates. Therefore, the model reaches turbulence at a greater speed compared to the speed at which the actual plane would transition to turbulence under identical fluid conditions.
Final Solution: For the model of a plane in a wind tunnel, turbulence occurs at a greater speed for turbulence for an actual plane.
Solution:
The angle of contact ($\theta$) is defined as the angle between the tangent to the liquid surface at the point of contact and the solid surface inside the liquid. This angle is determined by the balance of three surface tension forces acting at the junction of the liquid, solid, and gas (air) phases [Ref: Young-Dupré Equation].
The equilibrium condition at the triple interface is given by the relation:
$\cos \theta = \frac{S_{sg} - S_{sl}}{S_{lg}}$
Where:
When detergent is dissolved in water, it acts as a surfactant (surface-active agent). The primary physical changes induced by the detergent are as follows:
Per the equation $\cos \theta = \frac{S_{sg} - S_{sl}}{S_{lg}}$, for the angle of contact to decrease (meaning $\theta$ becomes smaller), $\cos \theta$ must increase. This requires:
Since surfactants are engineered to maximize surface wetting, the reduction in $S_{sl}$ is usually more pronounced relative to $S_{lg}$, leading to an increase in the value of $\cos \theta$. As $\theta$ approaches $0^\circ$, $\cos \theta$ approaches $1$, indicating enhanced wetting capabilities [Per the principles of capillarity and wetting].
Detergents lower the surface tension of water ($S_{lg}$) and reduce the interfacial tension between the solid and the liquid ($S_{sl}$). This shift in the force balance at the triple interface increases the $\cos \theta$ value, which geometrically results in a smaller angle of contact. This property is crucial for cleaning, as it allows the detergent-laden water to penetrate porous materials and displace dirt effectively.
Final Solution: The addition of detergent reduces the liquid-gas surface tension and the solid-liquid interfacial tension, forcing the liquid to spread more readily over the solid surface, thereby decreasing the angle of contact to facilitate wetting.
Solution:
The problem relies on the principle of hydrostatic equilibrium in a U-tube. For a fluid in equilibrium, the pressure at any two points at the same horizontal level in the same continuous liquid must be equal [Per Pascal’s Law of Hydrostatics: $P = P_0 + \rho gh$].
Let the initial height of mercury be equal in both arms. When water is added to one arm and spirit to the other, the mercury level shifts. Let the mercury in the water-arm side drop by $x$ and rise by $x$ in the spirit-arm side. The total difference in mercury levels becomes $2x$.
Pressure balance at the interface of mercury and the other liquids:
$P_{\text{right}} = P_{\text{left}}$
$\rho_w g h_w = \rho_s g h_s + \rho_m g (2x)$
Since $g$ is common to all terms, we simplify:
$\rho_w h_w = \rho_s h_s + \rho_m (2x)$
Substitute the known values into the equation:
$(1.0)(15.0) = (0.8)(15.0) + (13.6)(2x)$
$15.0 = 12.0 + 27.2x$
$15.0 - 12.0 = 27.2x$
$3.0 = 27.2x$
$x = \frac{3.0}{27.2} \approx 0.1103 \, \text{cm}$
The difference in the levels of mercury is $2x$:
Difference $= 2 \times 0.1103 = 0.2206 \, \text{cm}$
Final Solution: The difference in the levels of mercury in the two arms is 0.221 cm.
Solution:
Bernoulli's equation, given by $P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh = \text{constant}$, is derived under a specific set of idealized constraints [Derived from the Work-Energy Theorem for steady, incompressible, and non-viscous flow]. For this equation to hold, the fluid must satisfy the following criteria:
In a river rapid, the physical conditions deviate significantly from the idealizations required for Bernoulli's theorem:
| Condition | Bernoulli Requirement | River Rapid Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Pattern | Laminar (Streamline) | Turbulent |
| Energy | Conserved (No dissipation) | Loss due to internal friction |
| Velocity | Stable over time | Highly fluctuating |
Final Solution: No, Bernoulli’s equation cannot be used to describe the flow of water through a rapid. The flow in a river rapid is highly turbulent and viscous; Bernoulli's equation assumes laminar, non-viscous, steady flow. In rapids, mechanical energy is dissipated into internal energy (heat) due to internal friction and turbulent mixing, rendering the assumption of constant total energy along a streamline invalid.
Solution:
The variation of atmospheric pressure $P$ with height $h$ is governed by the hydrostatic equilibrium of a fluid column. In a static atmosphere, the pressure gradient is defined by the weight of the air column per unit area [Per the Hydrostatic Equilibrium Principle]:
$$\frac{dP}{dh} = -\rho g$$
where $\rho$ is the density of air and $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity. Assuming the atmosphere behaves as an ideal gas [Per the Ideal Gas Law $PV = nRT$], the density $\rho$ is directly proportional to the pressure $P$ at a constant temperature $T$:
$$\rho = \frac{PM}{RT}$$
Substituting this into the pressure gradient equation yields the exponential decay function:
$$P(h) = P_0 e^{-\frac{Mgh}{RT}}$$
The relationship indicates that atmospheric pressure does not decrease linearly with height. Instead, it follows a negative exponential curve. The constant $H = \frac{RT}{Mg}$ (the scale height) represents the height at which the pressure decreases by a factor of $1/e \approx 0.37$.
The rapid decrease in pressure at lower altitudes is primarily due to the high compressibility of air. Unlike liquids, which have nearly constant density, the density of air drops sharply as we move away from the Earth's surface.
| Altitude (km) | Relative Pressure ($P/P_0$) | Physical Justification |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1.0 | Maximum weight of overlying air column. |
| 6 | $\approx 0.5$ | High density compressed by gravity. |
| 100 | $\approx 0.00003$ | Extreme rarefaction of air molecules. |
The assertion that the atmosphere extends beyond $100\text{ km}$ does not contradict the pressure drop at $6\text{ km}$ because:
Final Solution: Atmospheric pressure decreases exponentially with height because air is highly compressible. Since the density of air is greatest near the Earth's surface, more than $50\%$ of the atmospheric mass is concentrated in the lowest $6\text{ km}$, causing the pressure to drop by half in that region, while the remaining atmosphere up to $100\text{ km}$ is extremely rarefied.