NEET Previous Year Questions (2014-2025):

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Mechanical Properties of Fluids

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2025
Q1: Consider a water tank shown in the figure. It has one wall at x = L
and can be taken to be very wide in the z direction. When filled with a
ρ
liquid of surface tension S and density , the liquid, surface makes angle
θ (θ ≪1) with the x - axis at x = L. If y (x) is the height of the surface then
0 0

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the equation for y (x) is: [2025]

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(a)
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(b)

(c)

(d)
Ans: (d)
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Curvature = 1 / ROC = |d2y/dx2| / (1 + (dy/dx)2)3/2
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2 2 3/2
=
d2y/dx2
≈ tan θ ≈ 0 (small angle approximation)
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(dy/dx)
Change in pressure, ΔP = S × curvature
ΔP = S × d y/dx
2 2

Also, ΔP = ρgy
⇒ ρgy = S × d y/dx
2 2

⇒ d y/dx = (ρg / S) y
2 2
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2024
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Q1: A thin flat circular disc of radius 4.5 cm is placed gently over the
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surface of water. If the surface tension of water is 0.07 Nm−1, then the
excess force required to take it away from the surface is: [2024]
(a) 198 N
(b) 1.98 mN
(c) 99 N
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(d) 19.8 mN
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Ans: (d)
The excess force required to remove a thin flat circular disc from the
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surface of water can be calculated using the formula for the force due to
surface tension:
 π
Force (F) = 2 r × T

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Where:

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r is the radius of the disc,

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T is the surface tension of the water.

Given:
r = 4.5 cm = 0.045 m,
T = 0.07 N/m.
Now, substituting the values into the formula:
π

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F = 2 × 0.045 × 0.07
F ≈ 2 × 3.1416 × 0.045 × 0.07 uR
F ≈ 0.0198 N
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Converting to milli Newtons (mN):
F ≈ 19.8 mN
So, the correct answer is:
(d) 19.8 mN.
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Q2: A wire of length L and radius r ( r ≪ L ) is kept floating on the surface

ρ . The maximum radius of the wire for which it
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of a liquid of density
may not sink is: (the surface tension of liquid is T) [2024]
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(a) √T/ρg
(b) √2T/ρg
(c) √2Tρ/π
(d) √2T/πρg
Ans: (d)
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To determine the maximum radius of a wire floating on the surface of a

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liquid, we can use the concept of surface tension. The force due to surface
tension must balance the weight of the wire in order to prevent it from
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sinking.
Surface Tension Force:

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The total force due to surface tension F is given by:

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π
F = 2 rL × T

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Where:
r is the radius of the wire,
L is the length of the wire,
T is the surface tension of the liquid.

Weight of the Wire:

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The weight of the wire W is given by:
W= gV ρ uR
Where:
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ρ is the density of the liquid,
g is the acceleration due to gravity,
π
V = r²L is the volume of the wire.

So, the weight of the wire becomes:

ρ π
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W = g × r²L
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Condition for Floating:

For the wire to float without sinking, the surface tension force must be
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equal to the weight of the wire:

π ρ π
2 rL ×T = g × r²L
Now, canceling out common terms:
ρ
2T = g × r
Solving for r:
ρ
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r = 2T / ( g)
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Maximum Radius:
Thus, the maximum radius of the wire for which it may not sink is:
√(2T / (πρg))
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r=
So, the correct answer is: (d) √(2T / πρg).
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Q3: The pressure experienced by a swimmer 20 m below the water

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surface in a lake is appropriately:

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(Given density of water = 103 kgm−3, g = 10 ms−2 and 1 atm = 105 Pa)
[2024]
(a) 1 atm
(b) 2 atm
(c) 3 atm m
(d) 4 atm

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Ans: (c)
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To calculate the pressure experienced by the swimmer at a depth of 20 m
below the water surface, we need to use the formula for the pressure at a
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depth in a fluid:
₀ ρ
P = P + gh
Where:
P is the total pressure at depth,
₀
P is the atmospheric pressure at the surface (1 atm),
ρ is the density of the water,
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g is the acceleration due to gravity,

h is the depth below the surface.
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Given:
ρ = 10³ kg/m³ (density of water),
g = 10 m/s² (acceleration due to gravity),
h = 20 m (depth),
₀ ⁵
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P = 1 atm = 10 Pa (atmospheric pressure).

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Now, we calculate the pressure at the depth:

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First, calculate the hydrostatic pressure due to the water column:

ρgh = (10³ kg/m³) × (10 m/s²) × (20 m) = 2 × 10⁵ Pa
Total pressure at the depth is the sum of atmospheric pressure and the
hydrostatic pressure:

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P = 1 atm + 2 × 10 Pa⁵

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⁵
Since 1 atm = 10 Pa, we have:
⁵ ⁵ ⁵

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P = 10 Pa + 2 × 10 Pa = 3 × 10 Pa
Now, convert the pressure to atmospheres:
⁵ ⁵
P = 3 × 10 Pa / 10 Pa = 3 atm
Thus, the correct answer is: (c) 3 atm.

Q4: An ideal fluid is flowing in a non-uniform cross-sectional tube XY

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(as shown in the figure) from end X to end Y. If K1 and K2 are the kinetic
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energies per unit volume of the fluid at X and Y respectively, the correct
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relationship between K1 and K2 is: [2024]

(a) K1 = K2
(b) 2K1 = K2
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(c) K1 > K2
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(d) K1 < K2
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Ans: (c)
To solve this problem, we need to apply the principle of conservation of
mechanical energy (also known as Bernoulli's theorem) and understand the
relationship between velocity and kinetic energy in a fluid flow.
Bernoulli's Principle:
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Bernoulli's equation states that for an ideal, incompressible fluid flowing

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through a non-uniform cross-sectional tube, the total mechanical energy

(sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy) remains
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constant along a streamline.

The equation is given by:
 ρ ρ
P + ½ v² + gh = constant

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Where:

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P is the pressure of the fluid,
ρ is the density of the fluid,

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v is the velocity of the fluid,
g is the acceleration due to gravity,
h is the height of the fluid at a point (potential energy term).

In the given problem, K1 and K2 represent the kinetic energy per unit

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volume at points X and Y. The kinetic energy per unit volume is:
ρ
K = ½ v² uR
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Now, we are given that the cross-section of the tube is non-uniform, which
means the velocity of the fluid will change as it moves from one section to
another.
Relationship Between Kinetic Energy and Velocity:
Since the tube is non-uniform, the velocity of the fluid will change based on
the cross-sectional area. According to the continuity equation:
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₁₁ ₂₂
A v =A v
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Where:
₁ ₂
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A and A are the cross-sectional areas at points X and Y,

v₁ and v₂ are the velocities of the fluid at points X and Y.

If the cross-sectional area at point Y is smaller than at point X, the velocity

of the fluid will increase at point Y (since the fluid must maintain the same
flow rate). This implies that the kinetic energy at point Y (K2) will be higher
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than at point X (K1).

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Therefore, based on the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle, the

correct relationship between the kinetic energy per unit volume at points X
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and Y is:
K1 > K2
This is because, at point X, the velocity is lower (due to a larger cross-

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sectional area), and at point Y, the velocity is higher (due to a smaller cross-

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sectional area), which leads to a greater kinetic energy at X.

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Thus, the correct answer is: (c) K1 > K2.

2023
Q1: The venturi-meter works on [2023]
(a) Huygen’s principle
(b) Bernoulli’s principle

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(c) The principle of parallel axes

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(d) The principle of perpendicular axes
Ans: (b)
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Venturi-meter works on the Bernoulli’s principle.

Q2: The amount of energy required to form a soap bubble of radius 2 cm

from a soap solution is nearly: (the surface tension of soap solution 0.03
Nm− 1) [2023]
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(a) 50.1 × 10−4 J

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(b) 30.16 × 10−4 J

(c) 5.06 × 10−4 J
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(d) 3.01 × 10−4 J

Ans: (d)
To calculate the energy required to form a soap bubble, we need to
consider the work done to increase the surface area of the bubble.
When a soap bubble is formed, it has two surfaces (inner and outer)
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exposed to the air. The energy required is related to the surface area of the
bubble and the surface tension of the soap solution.
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Formula for Energy:

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The energy required to form a soap bubble is given by the formula:

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Energy (E) = 4 r² × T

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Where:

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r is the radius of the bubble,

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T is the surface tension of the soap solution.

Since a soap bubble has two surfaces, the total surface area exposed is 2 *
π
4 r². The formula for the energy required to form a soap bubble is:
π
E = 8 r² × T
Given:

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r = 2 cm = 0.02 m,
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T = 0.03 N/m (surface tension).
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Now, substituting the given values into the formula:
π
E = 8 × (0.02)² × 0.03
E = 8π × 0.0004 × 0.03
E = 8 × 3.1416 × 0.000012
E ≈ 3.01 × 10⁻⁴ J
Thus, the correct answer is: (d) 3.01 × 10 ⁻⁴ J.
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Q3: Which of the following statements is not true? [2023]

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(a) The coefficient of viscosity is a scalar quantity.

(b) Surface tension is a scalar quantity.
(c) Pressure is a vector quantity.
(d) Relative density is a scalar quantity.
Ans: (c)
(a) The coefficient of viscosity is a scalar quantity - TRUE
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η
The coefficient of viscosity ( ) represents the internal friction of a fluid and
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has only magnitude, no direction.

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(b) Surface tension is a scalar quantity - TRUE

Surface tension is measured as energy per unit area or force per unit
length, and it has only magnitude, no direction.

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(c) Pressure is a vector quantity - FALSE

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Pressure is defined as force per unit area. While force is a vector, when we

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calculate pressure, we consider only the magnitude of the force acting
perpendicular to the surface area. Pressure at a point acts equally in all
directions (Pascal's principle) and is characterized only by its magnitude,
making it a scalar quantity.
(d) Relative density is a scalar quantity - TRUE
Relative density (or specific gravity) is the ratio of the density of a

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substance to a reference substance (usually water). Being a ratio of two
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scalar quantities, it is also a scalar quantity.
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Therefore, option (c) is the incorrect statement, making it the correct
answer to this question.

Q4: The viscous drag acting on a metal sphere of diameter 1 mm, falling
through a fluid of viscosity 0.8 Pa-s with a velocity of 2 m s–1 is nearly
equal to: [2023]
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(a) 15 × 10−3 N
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(b) 30 × 10−3 N
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(c) 1.5 × 10−3 N

(d) 20 × 10−3 N
Ans: (a)
To calculate the viscous drag on a metal sphere falling through a fluid, we
use Stokes' Law, which is given by the formula:
F=6 πηrv
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Where:
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F is the viscous drag force (in N),

η is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid (in Pa-s),
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r is the radius of the sphere (in m),

v is the velocity of the sphere (in m/s).
Given:

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Diameter of the sphere = 1 mm = 1 × 10^-3 m

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Radius, r = (1 × 10^-3 m) / 2 = 0.5 × 10^-3 m = 5 × 10^-4 m
η = 0.8 Pa-s

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Viscosity,
Velocity, v = 2 m/s

Calculation:
Substitute the given values into the formula:
π
F = 6 × 0.8 × (5 × 10-4) × 2

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F = 6 × 3.14 × 0.8 × 5 × 10-4 × 2
F = 15.072 × 10-3 N
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Thus, the viscous drag is approximately 15 × 10-3 N.
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Final Answer: (a) 15 × 10−3 N

2022
Q1: If a soap bubble expands, the pressure inside the bubble [2022]
(a) Increases
(b) Remains the same
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(c) Is equal to the atmospheric pressure

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(d) Decreases
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Ans: (d)
Excess pressure inside the bubble =
P = P0 + 4T/R
as ‘R’ increases ‘P’ decreases
Q2: A spherical ball is dropped in a long column of a highly viscous
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liquid. The curve in the graph shown, which represents the speed of the
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ball (v) as a function of time (t) is [2022]

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(a) B
(b) C
(c) D

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(d) A
Ans: (a) uR
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Initial speed of ball is zero and it finally attains terminal speed
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2021
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Q1: The velocity of a small ball of mass M and density d, when dropped
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in a container filled with glycerine becomes constant after some time. If

the density of glycerine is d/2, then the viscous force acting on the ball
will be: [2021]
(a) 3/2Mg
(b) 2Mg
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(c) Mg/2
(d) Mg
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Ans: (c)
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Mass = M
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Density of ball = d
Density of glycerine = d/2

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2020
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Q1: A barometer is constructed using a liquid (density = 760 kg/m3 ).
What would be the height of the liquid column, when a mercury
barometer reads 76 cm? (Density of mercury = 13600 kg/m3 ) [2020]
(a) 1.36 m
(b) 13.6 m
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(c) 136 m
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(d) 0.76 m
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Ans: (b)
ρ
Density of liquid, l = 760 kg /m3
ρ
Density of mercury, m = 13600 kg /m3
Height of liquid column in mercury barometer,
hm = 76 cm = 0.76 m
If height of liquid in liquid column be hl , then
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Q2: A liquid does not wet the solid surface if angle of contact is

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[2020]

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(a) equal to 45°

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(b) equal to 60°
(c) greater than 90°
D zero
Ans: (c)
A liquid does not wet the solid surface, if the angle of contact is obtuse i.e.,
θ > 90º.

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2019
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Q1: A soap bubble, having radius of 1 mm, is blown from a detergent
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solution having a surface tension of 2.5 × 10-2 N/m. The pressure inside
the bubble equals at a point Z0 below the free surface of water in a
container. Taking g = 10 m/s2, density of water = 103 kg/m3, the value of
Z0 is [2019]
(a) 100 cm
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(b) 10 cm
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(c) 1 cm
(d) 0.5 cm
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Ans: (c)
Excess pressure = 4T/R, Gauge pressure
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Q2: A small hole with area area of cross-section 2 mm2 is present near
the bottom of a fully filled open tank of height 2 m. Taking g = 10 m/s2,
the rate of flow of water through the open hole would be nearly [2019]

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(a) 12.6 × 10–6 m3/s

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(b) 8.9 × 10–6 m3/s

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(c) 2.23 × 10–6 m3/s
(d) 6.4 × 10–6 m3/s
Ans: (a)

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Rate of liquid flow

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2018
Q1: A small sphere of radius 'r' falls from rest in a viscous liquid. As a
result, heat is produced due to viscous force. The rate of production of
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heat when the sphere attains its terminal velocity, is proportional to:-
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[2018]
(a) r3
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(b) r2
(c) r5
(d) r4
Ans: (c)
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2017
Q1: A U tube with both ends open to the atmosphere, is partially filled

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with water. Oil, which is immiscible with water, is poured into one side

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until it stands at a distance of 10 mm above the water level on the other

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side. Meanwhile the water rises by 65 mm from its original level (see
diagram). The density of the oil is:- [2017]

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(a) 425 kg m–3
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(b) 800 kg m–3
(c) 928 kg m–3
(d) 650 kg m–3
Ans: (c)
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2016
ρ and nρ (n > 1) are put in
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Q1: Two non-mixing liquids of densities

container. The height of each liquid is h. A solid cylinder of length L and
density d is put in this container. The cylinder floats with its axis
vertical and length pL (p < 1) in the denser liquid. The density d is equal
to [2016]
(a) {1 + (n - 1)p}ρ
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(b) {1 + (n + 1)p}ρ
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(c) {2+(n + 1)p}ρ

(d) {2 + (n - 1)p}ρ
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Ans: (a)
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weight of body = upthrust by the two liquids
If A = Area of section then

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2015 uR
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Q1: The approximate depth of an ocean is 2700 m. The compressibility
of water is 45.4 x 10-11 Pa-1 and density of water is 103 kg/m3. What
fractional compression of water will be obtained at the bottom of the
ocean? [2015]
(a) 1.4 x 10-2
(b) 0.8 x 10-2
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(c) 1.0 x 10-2

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(d) 1.2 x 10-2

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Ans: (d)
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Q2: A wind with speed 40 m/s blows parallel to the roof of a house. The
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area of the roof is 250 m2. Assuming that the pressure inside the house
is atmospheric pressure, the force exerted by the wind on the roof and
the direction of the force will be:

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(Pair = 1.2 kg/m3) [2015]

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(a) 2.4 x 105 N, downwards

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(b) 4.8 x 105 N, downwards
(c) 4.8 x 105 N, upwards
(d) 2.4 x 105 N, upwards
Ans: (d)

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2014
Q1: A certain number of spherical drops of a liquid of radius ‘r’ coalesce
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to form a single drop of radius ‘R’ and volume ‘V’. If ‘T’ is the surface
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tension of the liquid, then: [2014]

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(a)
(b) energy is neither released nor absorbed

(c)

(d)
Ans: ​(a)
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