If a liquid droplet is perfectly spherical, what can be said about the forces ac
Practice Questions
Q1
If a liquid droplet is perfectly spherical, what can be said about the forces acting on it?
Net force is zero
Net force is upward
Net force is downward
Net force is horizontal
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
If a liquid droplet is perfectly spherical, what can be said about the forces acting on it?
Step 1: Understand that a liquid droplet is a small amount of liquid that takes a shape based on the forces acting on it.
Step 2: Recognize that a perfectly spherical droplet means it is shaped like a ball, with all points on the surface being the same distance from the center.
Step 3: Identify the forces acting on the droplet, which include cohesive forces (the attraction between the liquid molecules) and any external forces (like gravity).
Step 4: Realize that in a perfectly spherical droplet, the cohesive forces between the molecules are evenly distributed in all directions.
Step 5: Conclude that because these cohesive forces are balanced, there is no net force acting on the droplet, meaning it is in a state of equilibrium.
Cohesive Forces – The attractive forces between molecules within the liquid that keep the droplet intact.
Equilibrium – The state where all forces acting on the droplet are balanced, resulting in no net force.
Surface Tension – The property of the liquid that causes it to minimize its surface area, contributing to the spherical shape.
