Terminal velocity of a steel ball

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the terminal velocity of a steel ball in a liquid at varying temperatures. The user is analyzing how temperature affects terminal velocity, noting that their graph plots temperature on the x-axis and terminal velocity on the y-axis, resulting in a linear relationship with a potential anomaly in the last data point. It is highlighted that increased temperature reduces the liquid's viscosity, which in turn increases terminal velocity. The correct formula for terminal velocity is presented, emphasizing the complexity beyond basic calculations. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of accurate measurements and understanding the physics behind terminal velocity.
sueanne
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Hi I doing a coursework on finding the terminal velocity of a steel ball in a liquid at different temperatures

How is my graph suppose to like? My two variables are temperature and terminal velocity (i got my terminal velocity from speed = distance / time)
And if possible, if you know it, what will the line look like? Is it porportional?
 
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What does the graph from your data look like?
 
I have temperature on the x axis, and terminal velocity on the y axis. My line is linear, and i think its porportional like a 45 degree line, except the last point which must be an anomalie
 
These weren't experimentally determined were they...
 
sorry mate i don't understand what ure on about 'experimentally determind" of course my results are inaccurate. the actual formula for finding terminal velocity is way more complex than that , but my teacher insisted on it man.
 
Depending on how you made your measurements, that last point may reflect a situation where the ball hadn't reached terminal velocity - just a guess.
 
Yeah I guess so, what's really weird about the whole thing is that the whole experiment was based on a programme, we just had to time the steel ball reaching the bottom
 
Increase in temperature lowers the viscosity

Terminal velocity = (2 / 9) (r² g / η) (ρ - ρ')

Where r=radius, g=gravity, η=viscosity, ρ= density of steel, ρ'=density of the liquid

So, if η decreases, velocity increases.
 
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