Physics CH#6: FLUID DYNAMICS
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTION
Q#1: Explain what do you understand by the term Viscosity?
Viscosity
The frictional effect between different layers of a flowing fluid is called
viscosity. Viscosity is denoted by Greek letter η. SI unit of viscosity is Nsm-2.
Viscosity measures, how much force is required to slide one layer of the liquid over
another layer. Substances that do not flow easily (thick tar and honey) have large
coefficients of viscosity. Substances that flow easily (water) have small coefficients of
viscosity. Viscosity depends on nature of the fluid and Temperature.
Q#2: What is meant by drag force? What are the factors upon which drag force depends
on a small sphere of radius r, moving down through a liquid?
Stokes’ Law
An object moving through a fluid experiences a retarding force called drag force. The
drag force acting on a sphere of radius “r” moving slowly with speed “v” through a
fluid of viscosity “η” is given by the Stokes’ law:
F = 6πηrv
Drag force always opposes the motion. It depends on:
(i). Speed of the object (v)
(ii). Facing area of the object (r)
(iii). Viscosity of the medium (η)
The Stokes’ law is applicable on a small sphere moving with small speed. At high
speeds the force is no longer simply proportional to speed.
Q#3: Why fog droplets appear to be suspended in the air?
When a fog droplet falls through the air, it faces an opposing force called drag force.
The velocity at which drag force becomes equal to its weight is called terminal velocity.
As the mass of the fog droplet is very small therefore, its terminal velocity is so small
that it approaches zero and droplet appears to be suspended in air.
Q#4: Explain the difference between laminar flow and turbulent flow?
Laminar Flow Turbulent flow
►Every particle that passes a particular ►It is irregular and unsteady flow.
point moves along exactly the same path, Path of the particles of the fluid cannot
as followed by the particles which passed be predicted.
that point earlier. ►The motion of the fluid changes
►The motion of the fluid is smooth. abruptly.
►Fluid speed is less than critical ►Fluid speed is greater than critical
velocity. velocity.
►Makes no noise moves with high speed
►Makes noise
Physics CH#6: FLUID DYNAMICS
Q#5: State Bernoulli’s relation for a liquid in motion and describe some of its
applications?
Statement of Bernoulli’s equation:
For an ideal fluid (non-viscous, incompressible and steady flow) sum of
pressure, K.E per unit volume and P.E per unit volume of the fluid along
a pipe of non-uniform cross-sectional area remains constant. It is a
statement of law of conservation of energy.
Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation:
i. Torricelli’s Theorem
ii. Venturi relation
iii. Working of carburetor of car
iv. Lift of an aeroplane
v. Swing of tennis ball
Q#6: A person is standing near a fast moving train. Is there any danger that he will fall
towards it?
Yes, the man is in danger, he may fall towards the fast moving train.
A moving train drags air with it, speed of air near the train increases. Thus pressure
decreases as predicted in Bernoulli’s relation. This difference of pressure may push the
man towards the train.
Q#7: Identify the correct answer.
(i): What do you infer from Bernoulli’s theorem?
(ii): Where he speed of the fluid is high the pressure will be low.
(iii): Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure is also high.
(iv): This thteorem is valid only for turbulent flow of the liquid.
State (i) is correct.
According to Bernoulli’s theorem where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure will
be low.
Q#8: Two rowboats moving parallel in the same direction are pulled towards each other.
Explain.
When two rowboats are moving side by side in the same direction, the water between
them is dragged by both the rowboats. Therefore water in between the two rowboats
will move faster than the water on other sides of the rowboats. Than according to
Bernoulli’s theorem pressure between the boats decreases. This sideway high pressure
pushes the boats toward each other.
Q#9: Explain, how the swing is produced in a fast moving cricket ball?
When a cricket ball is thrown such that it moves forward as well as spins. The speed of
the air on one side of the ball increases due to spin and air speed being in the same
direction and thus the pressure decreases. The difference of air pressure pushes the ball
towards the low pressure and an extra curvature in the path of ball is produced. This is
called swing, which deceives the opponent player.
Physics CH#6: FLUID DYNAMICS
Q#10: Explain the working of carburetor of a motorcar using Bernoulli’s equation.
The carburetor of a car engine uses a Venturi duct to feed the correct mix of air and
petrol to the cylinders. Air is drawn through the duct and along a pipe to the cylinder.
The fast moving air through the duct creates a low pressure in the duct. This Low
pressure draws petrol vapors into the air stream.
Q#11: For which position will the maximum blood pressure in the body have the smallest
value? (a): Standing up-right (b): Sitting
(c): Lying horizontally (d): tanding on one’s head.
Maximum blood pressure (called systolic pressure) in the body has the smallest value
when lying horizontally. In this position, all parts of body are in level with the heart
hence heart does not have to work against gravitational force.
Q#12: In an orbiting space station, would the blood pressure in major arteries in the leg
ever be greater than the blood pressure in major arteries in the neck?
In state of weightlessness:
No, blood pressure in the leg will not be greater but it will be smaller.
Due to the state of weightlessness in the orbiting space station blood pressure in major
arteries in the neck is equal to blood pressure in major arteries in the leg.
Physics CH#6: FLUID DYNAMICS
