Chapter 06 (Fluid Mechanics)

Conceptual Questions
1. Why do athletes such as swimmers and bicyclists wear body suits in competition?
1
Ans: We know that F D = ρ v2 CD A
2
FD ∝ A
i. The body suits decrease the surface area of athletes like swimmers and bicyclists which further
reduces the drag force applied by water or air on the athletes.
ii. The body suits allow the athletes to have a better range of movement which can reduce the time
taken by the athletes to complete the task.

2. Distinguish between turbulent and streamline flow.

Ans:
Streamline flow
i. In streamline flow, each particle of fluid moves along a smooth path which does not change with time.
ii. In streamline flow, Stream lines do not cross each other.
iii. The velocity of fluid does not change with time.
Turbulent flow
i. In turbulent flow the flow pattern is not smooth but continuously changes with time.
ii. In turbulent flow, stream lines cross each other.
iii. The velocity of fluid changes abruptly.

3. When there is a change in the width of the river. The speed of the water decreases in wider regions
whereas the speed of water increases in the narrow regions. Why?
Ans: According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross-section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
A1 v 1=¿ A 2 v2 ¿

1
A∝
v
A narrow channel that is V-shaped or semicircular in cross section results in faster flow because of its
smaller cross sectional area of opening whereas a wide or shallow channel yields a slower flow because
of its wider cross sectional area.

4. It is dangerous to stand close to rail tracks when a rapidly moving commuter train passes. Explain
why?
Ans: According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
According to Bernoulli’s theorem, the pressure of air will become low in between person and rail and is
high on the other side of person. As a result of this pressure difference, a thrust acts on the person
which may push the person towards rail side and the person met with an accident.

5. Verify that pressure has units of energy per unit volume.

Ans: We know that
Pressure = P = ρ g h
P=mgh/V (ρ=m/V)
P = P.E / V ( P.E = m g h )
The above relation shows that; Pressure has units of energy per unit volume.

6. A perfume bottle or atomizer sprays a fluid from inside the bottle when it is pressed. How does the
fluid rise up in the vertical tube in the bottle?
Ans: According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
The atomizer spray or a perfume bottle works on the Bernoulli’s principle. Whenever the bottle is
pressed, the air passes over the vertical tube with very high speed by applying low pressure on the spray
nozzle, the pressure inside the bottle becomes high as compared to nozzle. This pressure difference will
draw the liquid perfume in the vertical tube.
7. If you lower the window on a car while moving, an empty plastic bag can sometimes fly out the
window. Why does this happen?
Ans: According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
According to Bernoulli’s theorem, the air outside of the car has higher speed with less pressure whereas
the air inside the car has low speed with high pressure. So, the empty plastic bag flies away from high
pressure inside the car to low pressure outside the car.

8. Explain how an upthrust is produced when the aero plane is running on runway?
Ans: According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
The shape of aero plane wing is made such that the flow lines crowd together above the wing, it causes
the air to travel faster over the curved top surface and more slowly over the flatter bottom. Thus, the
pressure above the wing is reduced relative to the pressure under the wing as a result the wing is lifted
upward.

9. Why does a ball placed in a vertical air jet become suspended?

Ans: According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
A light ball remains suspended on a vertical jet of air because of high velocity of jet of air. The pressure
between the jet of air and ball decreases due to large velocity as per Bernoulli’s theorem. High Pressure
on the above side of ball pushes it against the jet and therefore ball remains suspended.
10. Can you increase flow velocity of water in a rubber pipe by squeezing? Explain briefly.
Ans: According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
A1 v 1=¿ A 2 v2 ¿

1
A∝
v
If we squeeze a rubber pipe, then its cross sectional area decreases and as a result the speed of outgoing
water increases. In this way, water can be squirt over a large distance with high flow velocity.

11. What is meant by superfluid? How is superfluid made?

Ans:
Superfluid
A superfluid is a state of matter in which matter behaves like a fluid with zero viscosity and zero entropy.
These fluids flow without any loss of kinetic energy. When stirred, superfluid forms vortices that
continue to spin indefinitely. To create superfluid states, we cool down helium gas to a few degrees
above absolute zero. This is achieved by compressing the gas, and then expelling it through a small
nozzle. As the gas expand, it rapidly cools.

MCQ’S
Encircle the correct option.
1) Principe of flotation helps us to find
A. density B. velocity C. area E. pressure

2) According to Archimedes, up thrust is equal to

A. weight of displaced liquid B. volume of displaced liquid
C. mass of displaced liquid E. none of these

3) In the equation for Stoke’s law, the sphere must be:

A. moving with a low, non-zero acceleration B. moving with a constant velocity
C. at rest in the fluid E. the same density as the fluid
4) Two identical spherical drops of water are falling through air with a steady velocity of 20 cm/s. If
the drops combine to form a single drop, what would be the terminal velocity of the single drop?
A. 20 cm/s B. 32 cm/s C. 10 cm/s E. 40 cm/s
Explanation:
Data:
Terminal Velocity of each small droplet = Vt1 = 20 cm/s
Terminal velocity of big droplet = Vt2 =?
Solution:
According to given condition
volume of big droplet = 2 (volume of small droplet)
V1 = 2 V 2
4/3 π R3 = 2( 4/3 π r3 )
R 3 = 2 r3
R = 1.25 r
Vt2 / Vt1 = (2ρgR2 / 9η) / (2ρgr2 / 9η)
= R2 / r2
= (1.25r)2 / r2
Vt2 = 1.56 Vt1
= (1.56) (20)
Vt2 = 32 cm/s

5) Spherical balls of radius ‘r’ are falling in a viscous fluid of viscosity ‘η’ with a velocity ‘v’. The
retarding viscous force acting on the spherical ball is:
A. inversely proportion to ‘r’ but directly proportional to ‘v’
B. directly proportion to both ‘r’ and ‘v’
C. inversely proportion to both ‘r’ and ‘v’
D. directly proportion to ‘r’ but inversely proportional to ‘v’

6) Two rain drops reach the earth with their terminal velocities in the ratio 4:9. The ratio of their radii
is:
A. 4:9 B. 2:3 C. 3:2 E. 9:4
 Explanation
Data:
Terminal velocity of first drop = Vt1
Terminal velocity of second drop = Vt2
Vt1 / Vt2 =?
Solution:
According to given condition
2
Vt∝R
R=√ V t
R/r =√ (Vt1 / Vt2)
R/r=√ (4 /9)
R/r = 2/3

7) A liquid flow through a pipe with a diameter of 10 cm at a velocity of 9 cm/s. If the diameter of the
pipe then decreases to 6cm, the new velocity of the liquid will be:
A. 15 cm/s B. 21 cm/s C. 12 cm/s E. 25 cm/s
Explanation
Data:
d1 = 10cm, d2 = 6cm
v1 = 9 cm/s, v2 =?
Solution:
According to the equation of continuity
A1 v1 = A2 v2
(π d12/4) v1 = (π d22/4) v2
v2 = ( d1 / d2 )2 v1
= (10/6)2 x 9
v2 = 25 cm/s

8) If a pipe with flowing water has a cross-sectional area nine times greater at point 2 than at point 1,
what would be the relation of flow speed at the two points?
A. The flow speed at point 2 is nine times that at point 1
B. The flow speed at point 2 is three times that at point 1
C. The flow speed at point 1 is nine times that at point 2
D. The flow speed at point 1 is three times that at point 2
Explanation
According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
A1 v 1=¿ A 2 v2 ¿

1
A∝
v

9) With an increase in temperature, the viscosity of liquids and gases, respectively will
A. increase and increase B. increase and decrease
C. decrease and increase D. decrease and decrease
Explanation
Viscosity of liquid decreases with temperature whereas gas viscosity increases with temperature.

10) which of the following fluid do not follow Bernoulli’s equation?

A. unsteady B. rotational C. turbulent D. All of these

11) Which of the following is NOT characteristic of liquid with laminar flow?
A. low velocity B. little lateral mixing
C. low viscous forces D. presence of eddies

12) According to equation of continuity, when water falls its speed increases, while its cross-sectional
area:
A. remains same B. decreases C. increases D. can’t be predicted
Explanation
According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
 A1 v 1=¿ A 2 v2 ¿

1
A∝
v

13) Two balloons are hung by a string. When the air is blow harder through the straw, the balloons
will:
A. remain stationary B. move closely to each other
C. move far apart to each other D. burst
Explanation
According to Bernoulli’s theorem
“Where the speed of fluid is high its pressure will be low and where speed of fluid is low, the pressure
will be high”.
1
P∝
v
When the air is blown between the hanging balloons, the air pressure in that region decreases as the
speed of the air particles increases. Therefore, the other region naturally becomes a high-pressure
region and pushes the balloon towards each other.

14) Which will produce the greatest increase in flow velocity through a tube?
A. halving the tube radius B. doubling the viscosity
C. doubling the tube area D. doubling the tube radius
Explanation
According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
A1 v 1=¿ A 2 v2 ¿

1
A∝
v

15) Where does the Venturi effect specifically occur?

A. where a stream is expanded B. where a stream flows downwards with gravity
C. where a stream constricts D. in the exact center of a flowing stream
Explanation
The venturi effect is the reduction in fluid pressure that results when a moving fluid speeds up as it flows
through a constricted section of a pipe.

16) The end of a hose has a diameter of 4cm. If one wants the velocity of water coming out to be 4
times higher, what should be the diameter of the nozzle on the end?
A. 1/4 cm B. 4 cm C. 2 cm D. 1/2 cm
Explanation
Data:
Diameter of the hose = d1 = 4 cm
Speed of fluid through the nozzle = 4 (Speed of fluid through the hose)
v2 = 4v1
Diameter of the nozzle = d2 =?
Solution:
According to the equation of continuity
A1 v1 = A2 v2
(π d12/4) v1 = (π d22/4) v2
d12 v1 = d22 v2
d12 v1 = d22 (4v1)
d22 = d12 /4
= (4)2 / 4
d2 = 2cm

Assignments
Assignment 6.1
An object, which is made up of iron, has density 7.8 g/cm3 appear as 200N lighter in water than in air.
Calculate:
(a) The volume of the object, (b) The weight of the object in the air.
Data:
Density of iron = ρi = 7.8 gcm-3 = 7800 kgm-3
Density of water = ρw = 103 kgm-3
Difference in weight of the object = Δw = Weight in air – weight in water =200N
(a) volume of the object = V =? (b) weight of the object = W =?
Solution:
(a)
ΔW = buoyant force = V ρw g
200 = V x 103 x 9.8
V = 0.0204 m3
(b)
Wair = m g
Wair = ρi V g ( m= ρi V )
= 0.0204 x 7800 x 9.8
Wair = 1559 N

Assignment 6.2
Find the terminal velocity obtained by a raindrop of radius 0.3 mm falling through air of viscosity 1.8 x
10-5 kg m-1 s-1.
Data:
Radius of rain drop = r = 0.3 mm = 0.3 x 10-3 m
Viscosity of air = η = 1.8 x 10-5 kg m-1 s-1
Density of rain drop = ρ = 103 kgm-3
Terminal velocity = Vt =?
Solution:
Vt = 2 ρgr2 / 9η
= (2 x 0.3 x 10-3 x 103 x 9.8) / (9 x 1.8 x 10-5)
Vt = 0.3629 x 105 m/s

Assignment 6.3
Why the deep water flows slowly as compared to shallow water in rivers?
Ans: According to the equation of continuity,
The speed of liquid emerging out from an opening is inversely proportional to the area of cross section
of that opening i.e. smaller the area of cross section of the opening, greater will be the speed of
outgoing fluid and vice versa.
Av = constant
 1
A∝
v
In case of deep water, the area of cross section is large, so velocity is small, i.e. deep water runs slow.

Assignment 6.4
If the speed of air across the top and bottom of an aero plan’s wing is 450 m/s and 410 m/s
respectively. Calculate the lift on the wings if the wing is 15m long and 3m wide ( ρ = 1.29 kg/m -3, for
air).
Data:
Speed of air across the top of wing = v1 = 450 m/s
Speed of air across the bottom of wing = v2 = 410 m/s
Length of wing = L = 15 m
Width of wing = w = 3 m
Area of wing = A = L x w = 15 x 3 = 45 m2
Density of air = ρ = 1.3 kgm-3
h 1 = h2 = h
Lifting force = F =?
Solution:
According to Bernoulli’s equation
P1 + ρgh1 + 1/2ρv12 = P2 + ρgh2 + 1/2 ρv22
P2 – P1 = 1/2 ρ ( v22 – v12 )
= 1/2 ( 1.3 ) ( 4502 – 4102 )
P2 – P1 = 22188 Pa
Lifting force = F = ( P1 – P2 ) A
F = 22188 x 45
F = 9.98 x 105 N

Numerical Problems
1) The settling speed of a small fog droplet in air is found to be 2.98mm/s. Find out the radius of the
droplet. The coefficient of viscosity of air is 1.9x10-5 kgm-1 s-1.
 Data:
−1 −3 −1
Terminal velocity of droplet=V t=2.98 mm s =2.98 ×10 m s
Radius of droplet=r=?
−5 −1 −1
Coefficient of viscosity of air=η=1.9 ×10 kg m s
−3
density of air= ρ=1.29 kg m
Solution:
2
2 ρg r
V t=
9η

2 ( 1.29 )( 9.8 ) r 2
−3
2.98 ×10 =
9(1.9 ×10−5)

2 9 ( 2.98 ×10−3 ) (1.9 ×10−5)

r=
2 ( 1.29 ) ( 9.8 )
−4
r =1.4 ×10 m

2) Water is flowing at a velocity of 2.00 m/s through a hose with an internal diameter of 1.60 cm.
(a) What is the flow rate in liters per second?
(b) The fluid velocity in this hose’s nozzle is 15.0 m/s. What is the nozzles inside diameter?
Data:
−1
velocity of water through a hose=v ❑1=2.00 m s
−2
Diameter of hose=d1 =1.6 cm=1.6 ×10 m=0.016 m

a) Flow rate ( liters per second ) =?

−1
b)Velocity of water through the nozzle=v 2=15 m s

Diameter of nozzle=d 2=?

Solution:

a) Flow rate=A ❑1 v 1
2
π d1
¿ v
4 1
( 3.14 ) ( 0.016 )2 (2)
¿
4
3 −1
¿ 0.00040192 m s
 −3 3 −1
¿ 0.402 ×10 m s
−1 3 3
¿ 0.0402 L s ∴ 1 m =10 L
b) According to equation of continuity
A1 v 1= A 2 v 2

2 2
π d1 π d2
v 1= v
4 4 2
2 v1 2
d 2= d 1
v2
2
2 ( 0.016 )
d 22=
15
d 2=0.00584 m
2
d 2=0.584 ×10 m
d 2=0.584 cm

3) Blood is pumped from the heart at a rate of 5.0 L/min into the aorta (of radius 1.0 cm). Determine the
speed of blood through the aorta.
Data:

Blood flow rate=5.0 L/ Min

−3 3
Blood flow rate=5 × 10 m /60 s
−5 3 −1
Blood flow rate=8.3× 10 m s
Radius of aorta=r=1.0 cm=0.01 m
Speed of blood through the aorta=v=?
Solution:

flow rate= Av
2
flow rate=(π r ) v
flow rate
v= 2
πr
−5
8.3 ×10
v=
(3.14 ) ( 0.01 )2
−1
v=0.27 m s
−1
v=27 cm s
4) Water flows through a pipe whose internal diameter is 4 cm at a speed of 2 m/s. What should be the
diameter of nozzle, if the water is to emerge out with a speed of 4 m/s.
Data:

Diameter of pipe=d 1=4 cm=0.04 m

−1
speed of water through the pipe=v 1=2 m s
−1
speed of water through the nozzle=v 2=4 m s
Diameter of nozzle=d 2=?

Solution:

According ¿ equation of continuity

A1 v 1= A 2 v 2
( π r 21 ) v 1=( π r 22 ) v 2
2 2
π d1 π d2
v 1= v
4 4 2
2 v1 2
d 2= d 1
v2
2
2 ( 0.04 )
d 22=
4
2
d 2=0.0008
d 2=0.028 m
d 2=3 cm

5) A hose lying on the ground has water coming out of it at a speed of 5.4 m/s. You lift the nozzle of the
hose to a height of 1.3m above the ground. At what speed does the water now come out of the hose?
Data:
−1
speed of water ( on the ground )=v 1=5.4 m s
Height above the ground=h=1.3 m
speed of water ( At height h )=v 2=?

Solution:

1 2
K . E of water at ground level=K . E= m v 1
2
1 2
K . E of water at ground level=K . E= m ( 5.4 )
2
 K . E of water at ground level=K . E=(14.58 m)J
By raising the hose to height ‘h’ above the ground the water stream gained P.E.

Gain∈ P . E=mgh=m ( 9.8 ) ( 1.3 )=( 12.74 m ) J

According to law of conservation of energy
' '
K . E at height ❑h =K . E at ground−gain∈ P . E
'
k . E =14.58 m−12.74 m
1 2
m v 2=1.84 m
2
2
v 2=3.68
−1
v 2=1.92 ms

6) A pipe has two different cross-sectional areas, A1 = 25cm2 and A2 = 4cm2 respectively. The volumetric
flow rate of water through the pipe is 5 x 10-3 m3/s. Determine:
(a) The speed of water in both cross-sectional areas of the pipe.
(b) The pressure difference between them. (ρ=103 kg/m3)
Data:

Cross sectional areas of pipe are

2 2
A1=25 c m , A 2=4 c m
−4 2 −4 2
A1=25× 10 m , A 2=4 ×10 m
−3 3 −1
flow rate=5 ×10 m s
3 −3
Density of water= ρ=10 kg m
a) Speed of water through the area A1 =v 1=?
Speed of water through the area A2 =v 2=?
b) Pressure difference= p1− p2 =?

Solution:

a) Part ( i )
flow rate= A 1 v 1
flow rate
v 1=
A1
 −3
5× 10
v 1= −4
25 ×10
1
v 1=0.2× 10
−1
v 1=2 ms

Part (ii)
flow rate= A 2 v 2
flow rate
v 2=
A2
−3
5 ×10
v 2= −4
4 ×10
v 2=1.25× 10
−1
v 2=12.5 m s

b) According ¿ Bernoulli ’ s equation

1 2 1 2
P1 + ρ v 1=P2 + ρ v 2
2 2
1 2 2
P1−P2= ρ(v 2−v 1)
2
1
P1−P2= ( 10 ) ( (12.5 ) −( 2 ) )
3 2 2
2
3
P1−P2=76 × 10
4 −2
P1−P2=76 × 10 N m

7) The speed of water in a hose increased from 1.96 m/s to 25.5 m/s going from the hose to the nozzle.
Calculate the pressure in the hose, given that the absolute pressure in the nozzle is 1.01 x 10 5 N/m2
(atmospheric, as it must be) and assuming level and frictionless flow.
Data:
−1
speed of water ∈the hose=v 1 =1.96 m s
−1
speed of water ∈the nozzle=v 2=25.5 m s
pressure∈the hose=P1=?
5 −2
pressure∈the nozzle=P 2=1.01× 10 N m
3 −3
density of water =ρ=10 kg m
h1=h2=h

Solution:
 '
According ¿ Bernoull i s equation
1 2 1 2
P1 + ρ v 1 + ρg h1=P2 + ρ v 2 + ρg h2
2 2
1
P1=P2 + ρ ( v 2−v 1 )
2 2
2
1 3
P1=( 1.01 ×10 )+ ( 10 ) ( ( 25.5 ) −( 1.96 ) )
5 2 2
2

P1=( 1.01 ×10 5 )+ ( 323.2× 103 )

5 −2
P1=4.24 ×10 N m

8) A hole is drilled at the bottom of a full bucket of water of height h. What will be the velocity of water
that exits from the hole?
Data:

Height of water above the hole=h

Velocity of water at the bottom=v 2=v=?

Solution:

Pressure at the top= pressure at the bottom

P❑1=P2=P
Height of water level ¿ bottom=h1=h
Height of hole¿ bottom=h 2=0
Velocity of water at the top=v 1=0
'
According ¿ Bernoull i s equation
1 2 1 2
P1 + ρ v 1 + ρg h1=P2 + ρ v 2 + ρg h2
2 2
Putting values

1 2 1 2 2
P+ ρ ( 0 ) + ρgh=P+ ρ v + ρg ( 0 )
2 2
1 2
ρgh= ρ v
2
2
v =2 gh
v=√ 2 gh
9) The efflux speed of an oil from a narrow hole of a tank is 33.8 m/s, at pressure of 4.12 x 10 5 Pa.
Calculate the density of the oil?
Data:
−1
Speed of efflux=v=33.8 m s
5
Pressure=P=4.12 ×10 Pa
Density of the oil=ρ=?
Solution:

1 2
P= ρ v
2
2P
ρ= 2
v
5
2(4.12 ×10 )
ρ=
( 33.8 )2
−3
ρ=721 kg m

10) If the speed of air across the top and bottom of a small aeroplan’s wing is 30 m/s and 20 m/s
respectively. Calculate the pressure difference between the top and bottom of wing if ρ = 1.29 kg/m 3,
for air.
Data:
−1
Speed at the top of wing=v 1=30 m s
−1
Speed at the bottom of wing=v 2=20 m s
−3
Density of air= ρ=1.29 kg m
h1=h2=h

Pressure difference=P2−P1 =?

Solution:
'
According ¿ Bernoull i s equation
1 2 1 2
P1 + ρ v 1 + ρg h1=P2 + ρ v 2 + ρg h2
2 2
 1
P1−P2= ρ ( v 1−v 2 )
2 2
2
1 2 2
P1−P2= (1.29)( ( 30 ) −( 20 ) )
2
P1−P2=322.5 Pa

11) An empty metrological balloon has weight 80 N. How much maximum contents the balloon can lift
besides its own weight if it is filled with 10 m3 of hydrogen? (Density of hydrogen = 0.09 kgm-3, Density
of air = 1.3 kgm-3).
Data:

Weight of empty balloon=W E =80 N

3
Volume of hydrogen=V H =10 m
−3
Denisty of hydrogen=ρ H =0.09 kg m
−3
Denisty of air= ρ A=1.3 kg m
Maximum weight lifted=W M =?

Solution:

Weight of hydrogen=W H =V H ρH g

W H =( 10 ) ( 0.09 ) ( 9.8 )=8.82 N

Next, we need to calculate the weight of the displaced air.

Volume of displaced air=Volume of balloon

3
V A =10 m
Weight of displaced air=W A =V A ρ A g

W A =( 10 ) ( 1.3 ) ( 9.8 ) =127.4 N

Lifting force=weight of displaced air− ( weight of hydrogen+ weight of empty balloon )

W =127.4−( 8.82+80 )
W =38.5 N