INTERLEXICON WITH RAVIAN

Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

■ NOTE: All short questions AND extra short questions are important for Board Exams. Study every answer,
conceptual question, and numerical carefully.

SECTION A — PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS, STRESS & STRAIN

Q1. What is cohesive force?

Ans. The attractive force between molecules of the same substance. It holds the molecules of a solid or liquid together.
Stronger in solids > liquids > gases.

Q2. What is a solid?

Ans. A state of matter with definite shape and volume. Molecules are closely packed with strong intermolecular forces. It
has high rigidity, low compressibility, and does not flow.

Q3. Differentiate between solid, liquid, and gas.

Ans. Solid: Fixed shape and volume; incompressible; molecules tightly packed. Liquid: Fixed volume, no fixed shape;
slightly compressible; molecules loosely packed. Gas: No fixed shape or volume; highly compressible; molecules far
apart.

Q4. What is elasticity?

Ans. The property of a material to regain its original shape and size after removal of the deforming force. Example:
rubber, steel spring.

Q5. What is deformation?

Ans. Change in shape, size, or volume of a body due to an applied force. It can be elastic (recoverable) or plastic
(permanent).

Q6. What are the mechanical properties of solids?

Ans. (i) Elasticity. (ii) Plasticity. (iii) Ductility. (iv) Brittleness. (v) Hardness. (vi) Toughness. (vii) Malleability. (viii) Tensile
strength.

Q7. What is stress?

Ans. Internal restoring force per unit cross-sectional area of a body when deformed by an external force.

Stress = F/A [unit: Pa = N/m2, dimension: ML-1T-2]

Q8. What is strain?

Ans. The fractional change in dimension (length, volume, or shape) of a body due to applied stress. It is a dimensionless
ratio.

Strain = ∆L/L (dimensionless, no unit)

Q9. Differentiate between stress and strain.

Ans. Stress: Force per unit area; has units (Pa); can be tensile, compressive, or shear; dimension ML-1T-2. Strain:
Fractional deformation; dimensionless; no unit; ratio of change to original dimension.

Q10. What are the dimensions of stress?

Ans. [Stress] = [F/A] = [MLT-2]/[L2] = ML-1T-2. Same as pressure.

[Stress] = ML-1T-2

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q11. What is the basic difference between pressure and stress?

Ans. Pressure: Always compressive (inward), acts equally in all directions, applied by fluids. Stress: Can be tensile,
compressive, or shear; acts in a specific direction; occurs inside solid bodies.

Q12. Give the formula of strain and explain its dimension.

Ans. Strain = Change in dimension / Original dimension. e.g., Longitudinal strain = ∆L/L. Since both numerator and
denominator have same dimension (length), strain is dimensionless.

Strain = ∆L/L [dimensionless — M0L0T0]

Q13. What is Young's modulus (Y)?

Ans. The ratio of tensile (or compressive) stress to longitudinal strain within the elastic limit. Named after Thomas Young
(1807).

Y = (F/A)/(∆L/L) = FL/(A∆L) [unit: Pa, dimension: ML-1T-2]

Q14. What is volumetric strain?

Ans. The ratio of change in volume to the original volume of a body due to applied stress.

Volumetric strain = ∆V/V (dimensionless)

Q15. What is shear strain?

Ans. The angular deformation (in radians) produced in a body due to shear stress. It is the ratio of lateral displacement to
the perpendicular height.

Shear strain = x/L = tan φ ≈ φ (for small angles)

Q16. What is Young's modulus of water and mercury?

Ans. Liquids have no Young's modulus because they cannot sustain tensile or shear stress — they have no fixed
shape. Young's modulus applies only to solids. Water and mercury have bulk modulus (resistance to compression)
instead.

Q17. What is bulk modulus (K)?

Ans. Ratio of volumetric stress (pressure) to volumetric strain. Measures resistance to uniform compression.

K = -∆P/(∆V/V) [unit: Pa, dimension: ML-1T-2]

Q18. What is shear modulus (G)?

Ans. Ratio of shear stress to shear strain. Measures resistance of a material to shape change without volume change.

G = (F/A)/φ = Shear stress / Shear strain [unit: Pa]

Q19. To which scientist does Young's modulus owe its name?

Ans. Thomas Young (1773–1829), an English polymath (physicist, physician, linguist). He introduced the concept in
1807. He also contributed to wave optics (double-slit experiment).

Q20. What are the dimensions and formula of Young's modulus?

Ans. [Y] = [Stress]/[Strain] = ML-1T-2/1 = ML-1T-2. Unit: pascal (Pa).

Y = FL/(A∆L) [ML-1T-2]

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q21. What is Hooke's law?

Ans. Within the elastic limit, stress is directly proportional to strain. The ratio of stress to strain (Young's modulus) is
constant.

Stress ∝ Strain → Stress = Y × Strain

Q22. What is the proportional limit?

Ans. The maximum stress up to which stress is directly proportional to strain (Hooke's law is obeyed). Beyond this, the
stress-strain graph is no longer linear.

Q23. What is the elastic limit?

Ans. The maximum stress a material can withstand and still return to its original shape on removal of the stress. Beyond
this point, permanent deformation begins.

Q24. What is the yield point?

Ans. The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically — large strain occurs with little or no increase in stress.
The material 'yields'.

Q25. What is plastic deformation?

Ans. Permanent (irreversible) deformation of a material beyond the elastic limit. The material does not return to its original
shape after removing the force.

Q26. What is ultimate tensile strength (UTS)?

Ans. The maximum stress a material can withstand before necking begins. It is the highest point on the engineering
stress-strain curve.

Q27. What is fracture stress?

Ans. The stress at which a material breaks or fractures completely. It is the endpoint of the stress-strain curve — beyond
UTS, the material breaks.

Q28. What are the types of stress? Give examples.

Ans. (i) Tensile stress: Stretching force — wire under tension. (ii) Compressive stress: Squeezing force — column
under load. (iii) Shear stress: Parallel force causing shape change — scissors cutting paper.

Q29. What are ductile substances? Give examples.

Ans. Ductile materials can be drawn into wires without breaking — they undergo large plastic deformation. Examples:
copper, aluminium, gold, silver, mild steel.

Q30. What are brittle substances? Give examples.

Ans. Brittle materials break suddenly without significant plastic deformation when stressed beyond elastic limit.
Examples: glass, cast iron, chalk, ceramics, concrete.

Q31. Differentiate between ductile and brittle substances.

Ans. Ductile: Large plastic deformation before fracture; can be drawn into wires; absorbs energy. Examples: copper,
gold. Brittle: Fractures suddenly with little plastic deformation; cannot be drawn; examples: glass, cast iron.

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q32. What is strain energy in a deformed elastic body? Give its expression.

Ans. Strain energy is the elastic potential energy stored in a deformed body. For a stretched wire of extension x under
force F:

U = ½Fx = ½(stress × strain × volume) [unit: J]

Q33. Explain: work done in stretching = average force × distance.

Ans. Force increases from 0 to F as extension increases from 0 to x (Hooke's law: F = kx). Average force = (0+F)/2 = F/2.
Work = average force × extension = (F/2)×x = ½Fx = strain energy.

W = ½Fx = ½kx2

Q34. Give the SI units of Young's modulus, strain, and stress.

Ans. Young's modulus: Pascal (Pa) = N/m2. Stress: Pascal (Pa) = N/m2. Strain: Dimensionless — no unit.

Q35. Why is steel more elastic than rubber and sponge?

Ans. Elasticity = ability to regain original shape. Steel returns to its exact original shape with minimal deformation under
stress — its stress-strain ratio (Young's modulus, ~200 GPa) is very high. Rubber and sponge deform easily and may not
fully recover — lower Young's modulus. In physics, higher Young's modulus = more elastic.

SECTION B — ARCHIMEDES' PRINCIPLE & FLOTATION

Q36. What is Archimedes' principle?

Ans. When a body is wholly or partially submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward buoyant force (upthrust) equal to
the weight of the fluid displaced.

Upthrust = Weight of fluid displaced = ρfluidVg

Q37. Who discovered Archimedes' principle?

Ans. Archimedes of Syracuse (287–212 BC), ancient Greek mathematician and physicist. He discovered it while
stepping into a bathtub and realising water overflowed — reportedly shouting 'Eureka!' (I have found it!).

Q38. How did Archimedes discover the principle that bears his name?

Ans. King Hiero II asked Archimedes to check if his crown was pure gold without melting it. While bathing, Archimedes
noticed the water level rose when he entered. He realised a body displaces fluid equal to its own volume — allowing
density comparison. He ran through the streets shouting 'Eureka!'

Q39. What is upthrust (buoyant force)?

Ans. Upthrust is the upward force exerted by a fluid on a submerged or partially submerged body. It opposes the body's
weight and equals the weight of fluid displaced.

Fb = ρfluid × Vsubmerged × g

Q40. Why is upthrust equal to the weight of displaced fluid?

Ans. Fluid pressure increases with depth: P = ρgh. The pressure on the bottom face of a submerged object is greater
than on the top face. Net upward pressure force = ρg(h2-h1)A = ρgVg = weight of displaced fluid. Hence upthrust = weight
of displaced fluid.

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q41. Why does a large steel ship float while a small steel nail sinks?

Ans. A ship is hollow — its total volume (including air inside) is large. Average density of ship = total mass/total volume <
density of water. So upthrust ≥ weight → it floats. A solid nail has average density > water, so weight > upthrust → it
sinks.

Q42. A wooden cube of sides 10 cm is fully submerged in water. Calculate the upthrust.

Ans. V = (0.1)3 = 10-3 m3. Upthrust = ρwaterVg = 1000 × 10-3 × 9.8 = 9.8 N.

Fb = 1000 × 10-3 × 9.8 = 9.8 N

Q43. What is the principle of flotation?

Ans. A floating body displaces fluid equal in weight (not volume) to its own weight. Condition for floating: weight of body =
weight of fluid displaced.

Wbody = Wfluid displaced → ρbodyVbodyg = ρfluidVdisplacedg

Q44. Give the condition for an object to sink in a fluid.

Ans. An object sinks when its average density > density of fluid, so weight > upthrust: ρobject > ρfluid. Examples: iron nail in
water, stone in water.

Q45. Give the condition for an object to float in a fluid.

Ans. An object floats when ρobject ≤ ρfluid, so upthrust ≥ weight. It floats fully submerged if ρobject = ρfluid, partially
submerged if ρobject < ρfluid.

Q46. Give applications of flotation.

Ans. (i) Ships and boats — designed with hollow hulls so average density < water. (ii) Submarines — ballast tanks filled
with water (sink) or air (rise). (iii) Life jackets — increase volume, reduce average density. (iv) Hydrometers — measure
liquid density using flotation depth.

Q47. How is Archimedes' principle helpful in submarines?

Ans. Submarines use ballast tanks. To dive: tanks filled with seawater → average density increases > seawater →
submarine sinks. To surface: compressed air pushes water out → average density decreases < seawater → submarine
rises. Depth is controlled by adjusting water/air ratio.

Q48. Why does a wooden block float on water?

Ans. Wood has density ~500-800 kg/m3, less than water (1000 kg/m3). The upthrust on the partially submerged wood
equals the wood's weight before full submersion — so it floats with part above water.

SECTION C — FLUID DYNAMICS, FLOW TYPES & CONTINUITY

Q49. What is a fluid?

Ans. A substance that cannot sustain a shear stress and flows under the application of any force. Both liquids and gases
are fluids. Fluids take the shape of their container.

Q50. What is streamline (laminar) flow?

Ans. Smooth, orderly flow where every fluid particle follows the same path as the particle ahead of it. Flow lines
(streamlines) do not cross. Occurs at low speeds.

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q51. Give the characteristics of streamlined (laminar) flow.

Ans. (i) Flow is smooth and orderly. (ii) Adjacent layers slide past each other. (iii) Streamlines are parallel and do not
cross. (iv) Low velocity and viscosity. (v) No eddies or vortices. (vi) Described by Bernoulli's equation.

Q52. What is turbulent flow? Give its characteristics.

Ans. Irregular, chaotic flow where fluid particles move in random, unpredictable paths with eddies and vortices. Occurs at
high speeds or with low-viscosity fluids. Characteristics: (i) Irregular paths. (ii) Eddies/whirlpools. (iii) Energy dissipation
as heat. (iv) Occurs above critical velocity.

Q53. Is the motion of dolphins streamlined in water? Explain.

Ans. Yes. Dolphins have a streamlined (fusiform) body shape — tapered at both ends. This minimises drag and
turbulence. Water flows smoothly over their body (laminar flow), allowing high-speed swimming with minimum energy.
Their smooth skin further reduces drag.

Q54. Differentiate between laminar and turbulent flow.

Ans. Laminar: Smooth, orderly, parallel layers; low speed; low Reynolds number (Re < 2000); Bernoulli applies.
Turbulent: Chaotic, irregular; high speed; high Re (> 4000); more energy dissipation; produces noise.

Q55. Give the conditions for an ideal fluid.

Ans. (i) Incompressible — density constant. (ii) Non-viscous — no internal friction. (iii) Irrotational — no rotation of
fluid elements. (iv) Steady flow — velocity at each point constant with time.

Q56. What is rate of flow (volume flow rate)?

Ans. Volume of fluid passing through a cross-section per unit time.

Q = Av [unit: m3/s, dimension: L3T-1]

Q57. Derive the formula for rate of flow.

Ans. In time dt, fluid moves distance v·dt. Volume passing through area A: dV = A(v·dt). Rate of flow Q = dV/dt = Av.

Q = Av = volume per second [m3/s]

Q58. What is steady (uniform) flow?

Ans. Flow in which the velocity of the fluid at any given point does not change with time. The flow pattern remains
constant. Also called stationary or time-independent flow.

Q59. What is the equation of continuity?

Ans. For an incompressible fluid in steady flow, the product of cross-sectional area and velocity is constant throughout
the pipe. Mass is conserved.

A1v1 = A2v2 (= Q = constant)

Q60. Who discovered the equation of continuity?

Ans. The equation of continuity is based on conservation of mass for fluid flow. It was formalised by Leonhard Euler
(18th century) and is part of the foundational work in fluid mechanics.

Q61. Which conservation law does the equation of continuity represent?

Ans. The equation of continuity is a mathematical expression of the law of conservation of mass. For incompressible
flow: mass in = mass out at every cross-section.

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
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Q62. What are the applications of the equation of continuity?

Ans. (i) Water flowing faster in a narrow pipe. (ii) Nozzles on hoses — narrow tip increases speed. (iii) Blood flow —
narrowing of arteries increases blood velocity. (iv) River narrows → water speeds up.

Q63. How is flow rate related to cross-sectional area and velocity?

Ans. Q = Av = constant. If area A decreases, velocity v must increase proportionally to maintain the same flow rate
(continuity). Wider pipe → slower flow; narrower pipe → faster flow.

A1v1 = A2v2 → if A↓ then v↑

SECTION D — BERNOULLI'S EQUATION & APPLICATIONS

Q64. What is Bernoulli's equation?

Ans. For an ideal fluid in steady flow, the sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy per unit volume is
constant along any streamline.

P + ½ρv2 + ρgh = constant

Q65. Write the expression of Bernoulli's equation and explain each term.

Ans. P = static pressure, ½ρv2 = dynamic pressure (KE per volume), ρgh = pressure due to height (PE per volume). Total
pressure energy along a streamline is conserved.

P + ½ρv2 + ρgh = constant [each term: Pa = J/m3]

Q66. How does the shape of a curveball relate to Bernoulli's principle?

Ans. A spinning ball (e.g., cricket ball) drags air around it. On one side, spin adds to airflow velocity; on the other side, it
opposes flow. High velocity side → low pressure (Bernoulli). Net pressure difference creates a lateral force (Magnus
effect), curving the ball's path.

Q67. What is the Magnus effect?

Ans. The force experienced by a spinning body moving through a fluid, due to the pressure difference created by different
air velocities on opposite sides (Bernoulli's principle). Causes curved paths of spinning balls (cricket, football, baseball).

Q68. How is Bernoulli's principle useful in paint sprayers?

Ans. Compressed air flows rapidly over the top of a narrow tube dipping into paint. High air speed → low pressure above
tube (Bernoulli). Atmospheric pressure below pushes paint up the tube into the fast-moving air stream, atomising it into
fine droplets.

Q69. What is a carburetor?

Ans. A device in petrol engines that uses Bernoulli's principle. Air flows through a narrow venturi tube — high velocity →
low pressure. This low pressure draws petrol from a float chamber into the airstream, creating a fuel-air mixture for
combustion.

Q70. What is a venturimeter?

Ans. An instrument for measuring the flow rate of a fluid in a pipe, based on Bernoulli's principle. It has a constricted
(narrow) section — increased velocity gives decreased pressure. The pressure difference between wide and narrow
sections is used to calculate flow rate.

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Q71. What is Torricelli's theorem?

Ans. The speed of efflux (outflow) of a liquid from a hole in a container is equal to the speed a freely falling body would
attain falling from the same height as the liquid surface above the hole.

vefflux = √(2gh)

Q72. Give the use of Torricelli's theorem.

Ans. (i) Calculating the speed of water escaping from a tank. (ii) Designing water supply systems and dams. (iii)
Calculating discharge from reservoirs. (iv) Understanding the functioning of water towers.

Q73. How are aeroplane wings shaped to produce lift?

Ans. Wings are aerofoil-shaped — curved (convex) on top, flatter on the bottom. Air over the top travels a longer path
and moves faster → lower pressure. Air below moves slower → higher pressure. Net upward pressure difference = lift
force (Bernoulli's principle).

Q74. Wings of an aeroplane are rounded outward (convex) on top and flatter inside (bottom). Why?

Ans. The curved upper surface forces air to travel a longer, faster path → lower pressure on top. The flat lower surface
has slower air → higher pressure. This pressure difference (Pbelow - Pabove) × wing area = upward lift. This is Bernoulli's
principle applied to aerofoil design.

Q75. What is a filter pump (aspirator)? Explain its construction and working.

Ans. Construction: A narrow constriction (jet) connected to a side tube leading to the vessel to be evacuated, connected
to a water supply. Working: Water flows rapidly through the jet → high velocity → low pressure at constriction (Bernoulli).
This low pressure draws air from the side tube, gradually evacuating the connected vessel. Used in chemistry labs.

Q76. Why is standing near a fast-moving train dangerous?

Ans. A fast train drags air along with it, creating a region of high-velocity air near the train. By Bernoulli's principle, high
velocity → low pressure near the train. Atmospheric pressure (higher) from behind pushes the person toward the train —
creating a dangerous suction effect.

Q77. How does pressure change with depth in a fluid?

Ans. Pressure increases linearly with depth. Each additional layer of fluid adds weight above.

P = P0 + ρgh (where h = depth below surface)

SECTION E — VISCOSITY, STOKES' LAW & TERMINAL VELOCITY

Q78. What is viscosity?

Ans. Viscosity is the internal resistance of a fluid to flow — friction between adjacent fluid layers moving at different
velocities. High viscosity = thick fluid (honey); low viscosity = thin fluid (water).

Q79. Is viscosity a force?

Ans. Viscosity is not a force itself — it is a property of a fluid. However, it gives rise to a viscous drag force on objects
moving through the fluid (Stokes' drag). The force is F = ηA(dv/dy).

Q80. What is the coefficient of viscosity (η)?

Ans. The coefficient of viscosity is the ratio of shear stress to velocity gradient. It quantifies a fluid's resistance to flow.

η = (F/A)/(dv/dy) [unit: Pa·s = kg/(m·s), dimension: ML-1T-1]

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Physics | Class 11 | Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics | Important Short Questions
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Q81. What are the dimensions and units of viscosity?

Ans. Dimension: [η] = [Force/(Area × velocity gradient)] = MLT-2/(L2×LT-1/L) = ML-1T-1. Unit: Pa·s (pascal-second) or
poise (P): 1 Pa·s = 10 P.

Q82. What is drag force?

Ans. The resistive force exerted by a fluid on an object moving through it. It opposes the direction of motion and increases
with speed, size of object, and fluid viscosity.

Q83. Explain the mathematical expression of Stokes' law.

Ans. For a smooth sphere of radius r moving with velocity v through a fluid of viscosity η, the drag force is:

Fdrag = 6πηrv (Stokes' law)

Q84. For which body can Stokes' law be applied?

Ans. Stokes' law applies to: (i) A smooth sphere. (ii) Moving at low velocity (laminar flow, Re < 1). (iii) In a fluid that
extends infinitely in all directions. Not valid for turbulent flow or non-spherical objects.

Q85. When does the drag force on a body increase?

Ans. Drag force increases when: (i) Speed v increases. (ii) Radius r of body increases. (iii) Viscosity η of fluid increases.
(iv) Flow becomes turbulent (drag ∝ v2 in turbulent regime).

Q86. What is terminal velocity?

Ans. The constant maximum velocity reached by a falling body when drag force + upthrust = weight. Net force = 0, so
acceleration = 0.

At terminal velocity: W = Fdrag + Fupthrust

Q87. Derive the formula for terminal velocity.

Ans. At terminal velocity: mg = 6πηr·vt + ρfluidVg. mg = (4/3)πr3ρbodyg. Substituting and solving:

vt = 2r2(ρbody−ρfluid)g / (9η)

Q88. When is terminal velocity reached?

Ans. As a body falls, drag force increases with speed. Terminal velocity is reached when drag + upthrust exactly equals
the body's weight. At this point, net force = 0, acceleration = 0, and the body falls at constant speed.

Q89. A chimney works best when it is tall. Explain why.

Ans. A taller chimney creates a greater height difference, increasing the pressure difference between the base and top
(Bernoulli + buoyancy of hot gases). The lower pressure at the top draws smoke upward more effectively. Also, wind at
greater heights moves faster → lower pressure at chimney top → stronger suction effect.

Q90. Give the viscosity values of common fluids (at ~20°C).

Ans. Water: 1.0 × 10-3 Pa·s. Air: 1.8 × 10-5 Pa·s. Acetone: 0.31 × 10-3 Pa·s. Benzene: 0.65 × 10-3 Pa·s. Methanol: 0.59
× 10-3 Pa·s. Plasma: ~10-6 Pa·s.

Q91. What is the density of water?

Ans. The density of water at 4°C (maximum density) is:

ρwater = 1000 kg/m3 = 1 g/cm3

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SECTION F — CONCEPTUAL SHORT QUESTIONS

C1. Can two streamlines of a flowing fluid cross each other?

Ans. No. If two streamlines crossed, a fluid particle at that point would have two different velocities simultaneously —
physically impossible. Streamlines never intersect.

C2. Why does blood flow faster through narrow arteries?

Ans. Equation of continuity: A1v1 = A2v2. Narrower artery → smaller A → higher v. This is why arterial blockage
(narrowing) increases blood velocity and pressure, risking rupture.

C3. Why does a ship sink deeper in fresh water than in sea water?

Ans. Sea water (ρ ≈ 1025 kg/m3) is denser than fresh water (1000 kg/m3). Greater density → greater upthrust per unit
volume submerged. In sea water, less volume needs to be submerged to equal the ship's weight → ship floats higher.

C4. A steel ball falls in water and reaches terminal velocity. What happens to KE and PE?

Ans. At terminal velocity, speed is constant → KE = constant. As ball continues to fall, height decreases → PE decreases.
Lost PE converts to heat (due to viscous drag), not KE.

C5. Why does a denser fluid exert greater upthrust?

Ans. Upthrust = ρfluidVg. Greater ρfluid → greater upthrust for the same submerged volume. This is why objects float more
easily in denser fluids (e.g., sea water vs fresh water, or mercury vs water).

C6. Can terminal velocity be achieved in a vacuum?

Ans. No. Terminal velocity requires a drag force (viscosity + upthrust from fluid) to balance gravity. In vacuum, no fluid
exists, so drag = 0 and upthrust = 0. The object would accelerate indefinitely (until relativistic effects).

C7. How does viscosity of a liquid change with temperature?

Ans. Viscosity of liquids decreases with increasing temperature — molecules gain energy and intermolecular forces
weaken, allowing easier flow (honey becomes runny when heated). Viscosity of gases increases with temperature —
more molecular collisions increase internal friction.

C8. Why do fluids always flow from high pressure to low pressure?

Ans. Pressure difference creates a net force on the fluid in the direction of lower pressure. Fluid molecules are pushed
from high-pressure regions (more collisions, more force) toward low-pressure regions until equilibrium is reached.

C9. A hole is made at the bottom of a tank full of water. How does the speed of outflow compare to a hole at
mid-height?

Ans. Torricelli's theorem: v = √(2gh). Bottom hole has greater h → greater speed. Mid-height hole has h/2 → speed =
√(2g·h/2) = √(gh) < √(2gh). Bottom hole gives faster outflow.

C10. Why does a rubber band show less elasticity than a steel spring?

Ans. Steel has a high Young's modulus (~200 GPa) and obeys Hooke's law precisely. Rubber has low Young's modulus
(~0.01 GPa) and its stress-strain relationship is non-linear — it does not return energy perfectly, showing viscoelastic
behaviour, not ideal elasticity.

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C11. Why does water rise in a narrow tube (capillary action)?

Ans. Adhesive force between water and glass > cohesive force between water molecules. Water 'sticks' to glass walls.
Combined with surface tension, this pulls water up. Narrower tube → more surface-to-volume ratio → higher rise: h = 2T
cosθ/(ρgr).

C12. What happens to the Young's modulus of a metal as temperature increases?

Ans. Young's modulus decreases with increasing temperature. Higher temperature weakens interatomic bonds (greater
atomic vibrations). The material becomes less stiff — easier to deform at higher temperatures.

C13. Is Bernoulli's equation applicable to turbulent flow?

Ans. No. Bernoulli's equation applies only to ideal (inviscid), incompressible, steady, laminar flow. Turbulent flow
involves energy dissipation due to eddies and vortices — mechanical energy is not conserved along a streamline.

C14. Why does a freely falling raindrop not accelerate indefinitely?

Ans. As the raindrop falls, air drag (Stokes/turbulent drag) increases with speed. Eventually drag force + upthrust equals
gravity → terminal velocity. Typical terminal velocity for a raindrop is ~9 m/s.

C15. When you squeeze a tube of toothpaste, it flows out. Is toothpaste a fluid?

Ans. Yes — toothpaste is a non-Newtonian fluid (specifically a viscoplastic material). It behaves as a solid when no
force is applied (retains shape) but flows like a fluid when sufficient stress is applied. It does not follow Newton's simple
viscosity law.

C16. Why are girders and beams made I-shaped (I-beams) rather than solid rectangular?

Ans. In an I-beam, most material is concentrated at the top and bottom flanges, far from the neutral axis — maximising
the second moment of area (resistance to bending). This gives high bending strength with minimum material/weight.

C17. Does pressure act in one direction inside a fluid?

Ans. No. Pressure in a static fluid acts equally in all directions at any given point (Pascal's law). This is unlike stress in a
solid, which can be directional.

C18. Why does a balloon expand when you blow into it?

Ans. Blowing increases air pressure inside. Since elastic PE is stored in the stretched rubber, expansion continues until
internal pressure balances elastic restoring force (stress in rubber wall). Strain energy is stored in the deformed rubber.

C19. Can a liquid have Young's modulus?

Ans. No. Young's modulus requires the material to sustain tensile or compressive stress without flowing. Liquids cannot
sustain tensile stress and have no fixed shape — they flow. Only solids have Young's modulus. Liquids have bulk
modulus (resistance to compression).

C20. Why are parachutes large and dome-shaped?

Ans. Large area → large drag force F = ½ρC■Av2. Dome shape ensures high drag coefficient. Greater drag → lower
terminal velocity → safe landing speed (~6 m/s compared to ~55 m/s without parachute).

C21. What is the Reynolds number and what does it indicate?

Ans. Reynolds number Re = ρvd/η. It predicts flow type: Re < 2000 → laminar flow; Re > 4000 → turbulent flow;
2000–4000 → transitional. It compares inertial forces to viscous forces in fluid flow.

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C22. How does Bernoulli's principle explain the curve of a spinning cricket ball?

Ans. A spinning ball drags air with it. On one side, air velocity adds to the spin velocity → high speed → low pressure.
Opposite side: subtract → low speed → high pressure. Net force (Magnus force) pushes ball toward the low-pressure
side, curving its path.

C23. Why does a jet of water from a tap narrow as it falls?

Ans. By equation of continuity: A1v1 = A2v2. As water falls freely, gravity accelerates it (v increases). To conserve mass,
cross-sectional area A must decrease. Hence the water stream gets narrower lower down.

C24. Why do aircraft fly faster at high altitudes despite thinner air?

Ans. Thinner air (lower density) means less drag force (Fdrag ∝ ρv2A). Less drag → more of engine thrust goes to
acceleration rather than overcoming drag. Also less lift, but modern engines compensate. Net effect: higher efficiency at
altitude.

C25. Explain why buildings can be damaged by strong winds.

Ans. Strong winds move fast over the roof → low pressure on top (Bernoulli). Higher atmospheric pressure inside → net
upward force on roof. If pressure difference is large enough, the roof is lifted. Similarly, windows can be blown outward.
This is why buildings in hurricane zones have specific designs.

SECTION G — SHORT NUMERICALS

Num 1. A wire of length 2 m, cross-section 4×10-6 m2, extends by 0.4 mm under 80 N. Find Young's modulus.

Sol: Stress = F/A = 80/(4×10-6) = 2×107 Pa. Strain = ∆L/L = 4×10-4/2 = 2×10-4. Y = Stress/Strain = 2×107/2×10-4 = 1011
Pa.

Num 2. A steel ball (r=1 mm, ρ=7800 kg/m3) falls in water (η=10-3 Pa·s). Find terminal velocity.

Sol: vt = 2r2(ρ-ρw)g/(9η) = 2×(10-3)2×(6800)×9.8/(9×10-3) = 2×10-6×66640/0.009 = 14.8 m/s.

Num 3. A pipe narrows from diameter 4 cm to 2 cm. Water flows at 1 m/s in wide section. Find speed in narrow
section.

Sol: A1v1=A2v2. A1/A2=(r1/r2)2=4. v2=v1×(A1/A2)=1×4=4 m/s.

Num 4. Water exits a tank through a hole 0.8 m below the surface. Find the speed of efflux.

Sol: v = √(2gh) = √(2×9.8×0.8) = √15.68 = 3.96 m/s (Torricelli's theorem).

Num 5. An object of volume 500 cm3 is fully submerged in water. Find upthrust.

Sol: Fb = ρVg = 1000×500×10-6×9.8 = 1000×0.0005×9.8 = 4.9 N.

Num 6. A spring (k = 1000 N/m) is stretched by 5 cm. Find strain energy stored.

Sol: U = ½kx2 = ½×1000×(0.05)2 = ½×1000×0.0025 = 1.25 J.

Num 7. Using Bernoulli's equation, find the pressure difference when water (ρ=1000) speeds up from 2 m/s to
5 m/s (same height).

Sol: P1-P2 = ½ρ(v22-v12) = ½×1000×(25-4) = 500×21 = 10,500 Pa.

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★ All Short Questions & Extra Short Questions Are Important For Board Exams ★

Num 8. An iron cube (side 5 cm, ρ=7874 kg/m3) is submerged in water. Find net downward force.

Sol: V = (0.05)3=1.25×10-4 m3. W=ρironVg=7874×1.25×10-4×9.8=9.65 N. Fb=1000×1.25×10-4×9.8=1.225 N.

Net=9.65-1.225=8.43 N downward.

■ End of Chapter 5 — Solids & Fluid Dynamics

Prepared by Interlexicon with Ravian | Best of luck in your Board Exams!

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