Question
Question: A rain drop of radius \(0 \cdot 3\,mm\) falls through air with a terminal velocity of \(1\,m\,{s^{ -...
A rain drop of radius 0⋅3mm falls through air with a terminal velocity of 1ms−1. the viscosity of air is 18×10−5poise. What is the viscous force on the raindrop ?
A. 1⋅018×10−2dyne
B. 2⋅018×10−2dyne
C. 3⋅018×10−2dyne
D. 4⋅018×10−2dyne
Solution
In order to find the viscous force acting on the raindrop when it falls through the air we can use the Stokes law.
According to this law, the viscous force or the resistive force that retards the motion of a sphere in a viscous fluid will be directly proportional to the velocity of the sphere, radius of the sphere, and the viscosity of the fluid through which it travels. In equation form, it can be written as,
F=6πηrv
Where η represents the viscosity, r represents the radius of the sphere and v represents the velocity.
Complete step by step answer:
It is given that radius of the raindrop is 0⋅3mm
That is,
r=0⋅3mm
⇒r=0⋅3×10−1cm
The terminal velocity or the maximum velocity attained by the raindrop when it falls through the air is given as 1ms−1.
That is,
v=1ms−1
⇒v=100cms−1
The viscosity of air is 18×10−5poise. Viscosity is represented using the symbol η.
Therefore,
⇒η=18×10−5poise
We need to find the viscous force on the raindrop. For this, we can use Stokes law.
According to this law, the viscous force or the resistive force that retards the motion of a sphere in a viscous fluid will be directly proportional to the velocity of the sphere, the radius of the sphere, and the viscosity of the fluid through which it travels. In equation form, it can be written as,
⇒F=6πηrv
Where η represents the viscosity, r represents the radius of the sphere and v represents the velocity.
We know value of π is3⋅14
Now let us substitute all the given values in the above equation. Then we get,
⇒F=6×3⋅14×18×10−5×0⋅03×100
∴F=1⋅018×10−2dyne
Thus, the correct answer is option A.
Note:
Stokes law is applied only in a streamline flow that is when the flow is steady. If the spherical body that is falling moves so fast in the fluid then the flow will not be steady then stokes is not applicable.