Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Equilibrium of forces

Equilibrium of forces — practice question

For a sphere falling through a liquid, the drag force $F_{D}$ is $F_{D} = 6\pi\eta r v$, where $r$ represents the sphere’s radius, $v$ is the sphere’s speed in the liquid, and $\eta$ is the liquid property called viscosity.
(a)[2]

Show that the SI base units for viscosity are $\text{kg m}^{-1}\text{s}^{-1}$.

(b)[2]

A sphere of radius $3.0\,\text{cm}$ is moving straight down at terminal velocity of $2.0\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ through the liquid. The drag force on the sphere is $0.096\,\text{N}$. Calculate the viscosity of the liquid.

(c)[2]

On Fig. 1.1, draw and label arrows that show the directions of the three forces acting on the sphere as it falls through the liquid at terminal velocity.

(d(i))[2]

The density of the liquid is $920\,\text{kg m}^{-3}$. Show that the upthrust on the sphere is $1.0\,\text{N}$.

(d(ii))[2]

Calculate the mass of the sphere.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The units of force $F$ are $\mathrm{kg\, m\, s^{-2}}$.

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