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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

A spherical drop falls at terminal velocity through a viscous fluid. If its radius is doubled, its terminal velocity becomes:

Answer: 4×.

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D unchanged

Correct answer: B. 4×

Explanation: Terminal velocity ∝ r², so doubling the radius multiplies it by 4.

Continuity Equation: Narrow Pipe → Faster FlowA₁, v₁ (wide, slow)A₂, v₂ (narrow, fast)A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ (continuity)Smaller area → higher speed → (by Bernoulli) LOWER pressure

Since the same volume of fluid must pass every cross-section per second (continuity), the fluid speeds up where the pipe narrows; Bernoulli's equation then says this faster-moving fluid has lower pressure - the principle behind a venturi meter and an aircraft wing's lift.

Concept context

Pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli equation, viscosity, and surface tension.

Read the full Mechanical Properties of Fluids notes →