Graph of viscous force and velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between viscous force and velocity, particularly in the context of drag forces in fluids. Participants clarify that viscous force increases with velocity, which is characteristic of drag, and that the equation F=mg applies when the weight is constant. The conversation also references the need for a meaningful graph to illustrate this relationship, suggesting that variations in force and velocity should be considered, similar to the Millikan oil drop experiment. The conclusion emphasizes that when viscous force equals weight, the speed of the object becomes constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of drag force
  • Knowledge of the Millikan oil drop experiment
  • Basic grasp of force-velocity relationships in fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "viscous drag" to understand its principles and applications
  • Study the Millikan oil drop experiment for insights on force and charge
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of drag forces in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about the relationship between force, velocity, and time in motion equations
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Students and educators in physics, engineers working with fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of motion and forces in fluids.

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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