Stream-line flow is more likely for liquids with
Correct Answer :
High viscosity and low density
Solution :
To determine the conditions under which a liquid exhibits stream-line (laminar) flow, we analyze the Reynolds number. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity that helps predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations.
The formula for the Reynolds number () is given by:
where:
• is the density of the liquid,
• is the velocity of flow,
• is the diameter of the tube, and
• is the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid.
For a flow to remain stream-line (laminar), the Reynolds number must be low (typically ). If the Reynolds number exceeds a critical value, the flow becomes turbulent.
From the formula, we see that to keep as small as possible (which promotes stream-line flow):
1. The density () in the numerator should be low.
2. The viscosity () in the denominator should be high.
Therefore, stream-line flow is more likely for liquids with high viscosity and low density.
The correct answer is: High viscosity and low density
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