Graph of viscous force and velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between viscous force and velocity in a fluid dynamics context, particularly focusing on the conditions under which these forces interact and how they are represented graphically. Participants explore the implications of viscous force equating to weight and the nature of drag forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the validity of equating speed with viscous force and explore the proportional relationship between them. There is an inquiry into the conditions that lead to a meaningful graph of force versus velocity, as well as the implications of constant forces in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have offered insights into the nature of drag and the characteristics of the graph, while others express confusion about the underlying principles and seek clarification on specific points.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of explicit context regarding the experimental setup or parameters being varied, which has led to questions about the nature of the graph and the relationship between the forces involved. Participants are also grappling with the absence of a time axis in the diagrams presented.

hello478
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Homework Statement
image below
Relevant Equations
weight = viscous force
1712081926145.png


my answer was A
but i dont understand
because when the viscous force equals the weight speed becomes constant
but why does the viscous force needs to be equal of weight?
is it weight = viscous force?
or speed = viscous force?
 
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hello478 said:
or speed = viscous force?
That's an interesting equation!
 
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PeroK said:
That's an interesting equation!
is it wrong?
 
hello478 said:
is it wrong?
Yes!
 
PeroK said:
Yes!
so then why does viscous force increases as speed increases?
 
hello478 said:
so then why does viscous force increases as speed increases?
I don't see how that relates to your equation. Speed can't equal force. That's dimensionally invalid.
 
PeroK said:
I don't see how that relates to your equation. Speed can't equal force. That's dimensionally invalid.
ok, yeah i get it
but then can you pls explain why they both are directly proportional?
 
hello478 said:
so then why does viscous force increases as speed increases?
I am having trouble even understanding the problem.

If the ball is unchanging from one trial to the next then ##F=mg##. So ##F## is unchanging from one trial to the next.

If the fluid is also unchanging from one trial to the next then ##v## is a fixed monotone increasing function of ##F##. But since ##F## is unchanging, so is ##v##.

So the graph should consist of just a single dot.

What is being changed from one trial to the next so that we have a meaningful graph instead of a single dot?

Perhaps this is similar to a Millikan oil drop experiment so that ##F## is being allowed to change from one trial to the next (variation in the charge on the ball in a fixed electrostatic field, maybe).
 
jbriggs444 said:
I am having trouble even understanding the problem.

If the ball is unchanging from one trial to the next then ##F=-mg##. So ##F## is unchanging from one trial to the next.

If the fluid is also unchanging from one trial to the next then ##v## is a fixed monotone increasing function of ##F##. But since ##F## is unchanging, so is ##v##.

So the graph should consist of just a single dot.

What is being changed from one trial to the next so that we have a meaningful graph instead of a single dot?

Perhaps this is similar to a Millikan oil drop experiment so that ##F## is being allowed to change from one trial to the next (variation in the charge on the ball in a fixed electrostatic field).
im sorry but i dont understand this...
 
  • #10
hello478 said:
ok, yeah i get it
but then can you pls explain why they both are directly proportional?
What's directly proportional to what?

A is the only graph where ##F## increases with ##v##. Which I guess you are supposed to recognise as a characteristic of drag.
 
  • #11
PeroK said:
What's directly proportional to what?
viscous force and velocity
 
  • #12
PeroK said:
A is the only graph where ##F## increases with ##v##. Which I guess you are supposed to recognise as a characteristic of drag.
yes but can you please explain it...
 
  • #13
hello478 said:
yes but can you please explain it...
1) It shouldn't need an explanation to answer this question. It's something you ought to know.

2) An Internet search for "viscous drag" will give you plenty of information and explanations.
 
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  • #14
I located a verbatim copy of the question on page 6 at https://dynamicpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/9702_s23_qp_11.pdf

No additional context is provided to clarify the intent of the question. So it seems that @PeroK has the most plausible interpretation. We are asked for a plausible force versus velocity graph for a fixed ball in a fixed fluid forced to move at a chosen velocity.
 
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  • #15
jbriggs444 said:
I located a verbatim copy of the question on page 6 at https://dynamicpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/9702_s23_qp_11.pdf

No additional context is provided to clarify the intent of the question. So it seems that @PeroK has the most plausible interpretation. We are asked for a plausible force versus velocity graph for a fixed ball in a fixed fluid forced to move at a chosen velocity.
The point to note is that the time dependence of ##v## is not shown. Instead, we could add a constant gravitational force and map the net force against ##v## and that would make sense for graph ##A##..
 
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  • #16
hello478 said:
because when the viscous force equals the weight speed becomes constant
"when" is a question about time, but as @PeroK points out there is no time axis in the diagrams, so they would not show whether the speed becomes constant.
 
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