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Experiment 2

The document outlines an experiment to determine the dynamic viscosity of a liquid using the falling sphere method based on Stokes' Law. It details the apparatus needed, the theoretical background, and a step-by-step procedure for measuring the viscosity. The document also includes considerations for errors and assumptions related to the experiment.

Uploaded by

Kath Lopez
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2 views5 pages

Experiment 2

The document outlines an experiment to determine the dynamic viscosity of a liquid using the falling sphere method based on Stokes' Law. It details the apparatus needed, the theoretical background, and a step-by-step procedure for measuring the viscosity. The document also includes considerations for errors and assumptions related to the experiment.

Uploaded by

Kath Lopez
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Experiment 2

Determination of Viscosity Using Falling Sphere Method


(Stokes’ Law Method)

Objective:

To determine the dynamic viscosity (μ) of a liquid using the falling sphere method based on
Stokes’ Law.

Apparatus:

Transparent graduated cylinder (or glass tube)


Steel ball (known diameter)
Vernier caliper / micrometer
Stopwatch
Thermometer
Weighing balance
Test liquid (water, engine oil, or alcohol)

Theory:

When a sphere falls through a viscous fluid, three forces act on it:

1. Weight (W) – downward

2. Buoyant force (Fb) – upward

3. Viscous drag force (Fd) – upward

At terminal velocity, the forces are balanced:

W = Fb + Fd

Using Stokes’ Law, the drag force is:

Fd = 6 π μ r v

From force balance, viscosity is given by:

2�2 �(�� − �� )
� =
9�
where:

μ = dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)


r = radius of sphere (m)
g = 9.81 m/s²
ρs = density of sphere (kg/m³)
ρf = density of fluid (kg/m³)
v = terminal velocity (m/s)

Procedure:

Step 1: Measure Sphere Properties

1. Measure diameter of the steel ball using vernier caliper.

2. Compute radius:

�
r=
2

3. Measure mass of sphere.

4. Compute density of sphere:

�
ρs = ​
�

where:

4��3
V=
3

Step 2: Prepare Liquid Column

1. Pour liquid into graduated cylinder.


2. Mark two points a known distance apart (e.g., 10 cm).
3. Measure this distance (L).

Step 3: Measure Falling Time

1. Gently drop the sphere into the liquid.


2. Start stopwatch when sphere passes upper mark.
3. Stop stopwatch when it passes lower mark.
4. Record time (t).
5. Repeat three trials and compute average time.
Step 4: Compute Terminal Velocity

�
V=
�

Step 5: Compute Dynamic Viscosity

2�2 �(�� − �� )
� =
9�

Sphere Data:
Diameter (m) Radius (m) Mass kg) Density (kg/m3)

Falling Time Data:


Trial Distance (cm) Time (s) Velocity (m/s)
1
2
3
Average

Final Result:
Fluid ρf (kg/m3) μ (Pa.s)
Water
Engine oil
Alcohol

Calculations:

Sample Calculation:

Given:

r = 0.0015 m
ρs= 7800 kg/m³
ρf = 998 kg/m³
L = 0.1 m
t=2s

Velocity:
0.1
V = 2.0 = 0.05 m/s
Viscosity:

2�2 �(�� − �� ) 2 (0.0015)2 (9.81)


� = = (7800 − 998)
9� 9(0.05)

Assumptions of Stokes’ Law:

• Flow Is Laminar
• Sphere Reaches Terminal Velocity
• No Wall Effect
• Sphere Is Smooth And Rigid

Sources of Error:

• Sphere Not Reaching Terminal Velocity


• Wall Effect (Tube Too Narrow)
• Timing Error
• Temperature Variation

Discussion / Analysis:

Conclusion:
Recommendations / Suggestions:

References:

Appendices (Documentation, Raw Data, Photos):

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