JEE Main · Physics ↓ Falling

Mechanical Properties of Fluids appeared 32 times across 3 years — 3.7% of Physics. This question is from Viscosity and Surface Tension.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 9 15 8 32

Given below are two statements: Statement (I): Viscosity of gases is greater than that of liquids. Statement (II): Surface tension of a liquid decreases due to the presence of insoluble impurities. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Solution & Explanation

Core Logic

Statement (I): Liquids have much stronger intermolecular forces compared to gases, leading to significantly higher viscosity in liquids than in gases. Thus, Statement I is incorrect.

Statement (II): The presence of insoluble impurities (like soap or detergents) disrupts the cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the surface, which decreases the surface tension. Thus, Statement II is correct.

Pattern Recognition

Viscosity in liquids decreases with temperature, whereas in gases it increases with temperature due to molecular collisions. Insoluble impurities act as surface-active agents that lower surface tension cohesive stability.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Reference Study Guides

More Mechanical Properties of Fluids Previous-Year Questions — Page 7

Q47 jee_main_2024_31_jan_evening Viscosity and Terminal Velocity
A small spherical ball of radius r, falling through a viscous medium of negligible density has terminal velocity 'v'. Another ball of the same mass but of radius 2r, falling through the same viscous medium will have terminal velocity:
  • A. (v)/(2)
  • B. (v)/(4)
  • C. 4v
  • D. 2v

Solution

Related Formula

At terminal velocity, downward force equals upward drag (assuming negligible buoyancy):

Mg = 6π η r v v = (Mg)/(6π η r)
Core Logic

Since the density of the medium is negligible, we ignore buoyant forces. The mass M of the ball is specified to remain the same in both cases, despite the change in radius (implying the material density of the second ball is lower).

Step 1: Setup Proportionality

Since M, g, and η are all constants:

v ∝ (1)/(r)
Step 2: Evaluating the Ratio

For the second ball, r' = 2r. Therefore, the new terminal velocity v' is:

v' = v × ((r)/(r')) = v × ((r)/(2r)) = (v)/(2)
Pattern Recognition

Read the constraints carefully. Usually, questions keep material density uniform (v ∝ r²). However, this specifically says "same mass". This shifts the formula dependency from v ∝ r² entirely to v ∝ 1/r because M acts as a constant numerator.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties of Fluids

Q jee_main_2024_31_jan_morning Viscosity And Terminal Velocity
A small steel ball is dropped into a long cylinder containing glycerine. Which one of the following is the correct representation of the velocity time graph for the transit of the ball?
  • A.
  • B.
  • C.
  • D.

Solution

Related Formula
mg - FB - Fv = ma Fv = 6πη r v
Core Logic

Viscosity And Terminal Velocity diagram for Q46 - JEE Main 2024 Morning
Viscosity And Terminal Velocity diagram for Q46 - JEE Main 2024 Morning

When dropped, three forces act on the ball: Gravity downwards, Buoyant force upwards, and Viscous drag upwards.

mg - FB - Fv = m (dv)/(dt) (ρ (4)/(3)π r³)g - (ρL (4)/(3)π r³)g - 6πη rv = m (dv)/(dt)

Let (4π r³ g(ρ - ρL))/(3m) = K₁ and (6πη r)/(m) = K₂.

(dv)/(dt) = K₁ - K₂ v

Integrating from t=0, v=0:

∫₀^v (dv)/(K₁ - K₂ v) = ∫₀^t dt -(1)/(K₂) ln ((K₁ - K₂ v)/(K₁)) = t v = (K₁)/(K₂) ( 1 - e-K₂ t )

This is an exponential curve starting from the origin and asymptotically approaching the terminal velocity VT = K₁ / K₂.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties Of Fluids

More Mechanical Properties of Fluids Questions — jee_main_2024_27_jan_morning

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