CHENGR 101A - Problem Set 1

Due Wednesday, 10/9/2019 by 5 PM

Problem 1
The quantities surface tension (σ), density (ρ), length (l), and velocity (v) may be combined into a
dimensionless group. Find the combination of these variables which is proportional to density and has no
units.

Problem 2
A formula for estimating the mean free path of a perfect gas is:
𝜇
ℓ = 1.26
𝜌√𝑅𝑇
where l is the mean free path, μ is viscosity (N∙s/m2), ρ is density, R is the gas constant (287 J/(kg∙K)) and T
is temperature.

a) What are the dimensions of the constant “1.26”?

b) Estimate the mean free path of air at 20°C and 7 kPa. Assume an ideal gas.

Problem 3
You have received some glass capillary tubes (diameter 3.3 mm). When pushed into a beaker of water
(40°C), the water rises in the glass capillary tube to a height of 7.37 mm.

a) Determine if the glass capillary is clean.

b) If the glass is not clean, calculate the height the water should rise in the tube.
Problem 4
Pictured below is a closed, cylindrical tank with a hemispherical dome attached to a pipe that connects to
point B. Part of the pipe contains a gray liquid with specific gravity (SG = ρ / ρH2O) of- 0.8 while the rest of
the system contains water (blue). The pressure at point A reads 60 kPa. Determine:

a) The pressure at point B

b) The pressure at point C (the top of the dome)

Problem 5
A rectangular gate is held in place by a horizontal cable. The gate is 4 ft wide and 8 feet long and weighs
800 lbs and is at an angle of 60°. Water acts against the gate, which is hinged at point A. Determine the
tension force of the cable. Assume friction is negligible. Recall that Torque = Force x distance.

Hint: use moment of inertia of rectangle.