A spherical ball is dropped in a long column of a highly viscous liquid. The curve in the graph shown, which represents the speed of the ball (v) as a function of time (t) is [figure]
- A
- B
- C
- D
Answer
(2) B
Solution
Initially the ball starts from rest and accelerates under gravity.
As its speed increases, the viscous force F = 6 r v increases, so the acceleration decreases.
When weight = buoyant force + viscous force, the net force becomes zero and the ball moves with constant terminal velocity vt = 2r2( - )g9 .
The speed increases from zero with decreasing slope and then becomes constant, as shown by curve B.
Answer: (2)