Homework 1: Fluid Properties

Mech 280
2023W, Term 2

1. Surface Tension. An experiment was conducted by creating two soap bubbles of differ-
ent diameters, r<R, on the opposite ends of a glass tube that has a valve on it. What
could be the observation when the valve (v) was opened? (2 marks)

(a) Small bubble become smaller, and large one become larger
(b) Airflow from larger to smaller bubble until r=R
(c) The Size of the two bubbles remains the same as it is in equilibrium
(d) It cannot be predicted

2. Capillary rise. A 0.5cm diameter glass tube is inserted vertically into a mercury bath
at 20C. The mercury makes a contact angle of 140 deg with glass. How deep is the
capillary drop in the tube? (4 marks)

3. Viscosity measurement. The viscosity of a fluid is measured by a viscometer constructed

of two 75-cm-long concentric cylinders. The outer diameter of the inner cylinder is
15cm, and the gap between cylinders is 0.12cm. The inner cylinder is rotated at 200
rpm, and the torque is measured at 0.8 Nm. Estimate the viscosity (4 marks)

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