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⚛️ Physics  ·  Mechanical Properties of Fluids  ·  NEET & JEE

Small liquid drops become spherical because surface tension tends to:

Answer: minimise its surface area.

  • A minimise its surface area
  • B maximise its surface area
  • C increase its volume
  • D lower its density

Correct answer: A. minimise its surface area

Explanation: A sphere has the least surface area for a given volume, minimising surface energy.

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 →