Terminal Speed of Vessel in Vacuum and Weightlessness

In summary, the problem is asking for the terminal speed of a cylindrical vessel that is being pushed by the slow sublimation of a solid substance at the bottom. The vessel has a mass of M and is initially filled with a substance of mass m ≪ M. The vessel is in vacuum and weightlessness, and the process can be assumed to be isothermal. The cross-sectional area of the vessel is A. The relevant equation to use is the ideal gas law.
  • #1
andrea1313
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Homework Statement
terminal speed of the vessel
Relevant Equations
ideal gases law
In vacuum and weightlessness, at the bottom of a cylindrical vessel (a cup), there is a layer of solid substance of molar mass μ. This substance sublimes slowly (evaporates from the solid phase into gaseous phase) and pushes thereby the vessel to the opposite direction. Estimate the terminal speed of the vessel. The mass of the vessel M, and the initial mass of the substance m ≪ M; the temperature of the vessel is T; the process can be assumed to be isothermal (cooling due to evaporation and heat radiation remains negligible). The
cross-sectional area of the vessel is A.
 
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  • #2
andrea1313 said:
Problem Statement: terminal speed of the vessel
Relevant Equations: ideal gases law

In vacuum and weightlessness, at the bottom of a cylindrical vessel (a cup), there is a layer of solid substance of molar mass μ. This substance sublimes slowly (evaporates from the solid phase into gaseous phase) and pushes thereby the vessel to the opposite direction. Estimate the terminal speed of the vessel. The mass of the vessel M, and the initial mass of the substance m ≪ M; the temperature of the vessel is T; the process can be assumed to be isothermal (cooling due to evaporation and heat radiation remains negligible). The
cross-sectional area of the vessel is A.
You need to show your efforts on this problem before we can offer any tutorial help. Please post the Relevant Equations, and show us how you think you should apply them. Thank you.
 

What is the terminal speed of a vessel?

The terminal speed of a vessel is the maximum speed that it can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water, due to the balance between the gravitational force pulling the vessel down and the drag force pushing against it.

How is the terminal speed of a vessel calculated?

The terminal speed of a vessel can be calculated using the equation Vt = √(2mg/pACd), where Vt is the terminal speed, m is the mass of the vessel, g is the acceleration due to gravity, p is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the vessel, and Cd is the drag coefficient.

What factors affect the terminal speed of a vessel?

The terminal speed of a vessel is affected by several factors, including the mass and shape of the vessel, the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the gravitational force. The presence of external forces, such as wind or currents, can also impact the terminal speed.

Why is knowing the terminal speed of a vessel important?

Knowing the terminal speed of a vessel is important for ensuring the safety and stability of the vessel. It can also help in predicting the time and distance it will take for the vessel to reach its maximum speed, which can be useful for navigation and control.

Can the terminal speed of a vessel be exceeded?

Yes, in certain situations, the terminal speed of a vessel can be exceeded. This can happen if external forces, such as a strong wind or a propeller, are pushing the vessel with a force greater than the drag force. However, exceeding the terminal speed can be dangerous and may lead to loss of control or damage to the vessel.

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