Solution
Related Formula
The work done in changing the surface area of a liquid is given by:
W = T · Δ Awhere:
- T is the surface tension of the liquid.
- Δ A = Af - Aᵢ is the change in the total surface area.
Core Logic
Since the total volume remains constant during splitting:
Vᵢ = Vf
(4)/(3)π R³ = 27 × (4)/(3)π r³ R³ = 27r³ r = (R)/(3)Step 1: Calculate the Change in Surface Area
Initial surface area of the single drop:
Aᵢ = 4π R²
Final surface area of 27 small drops:
Af = 27 × (4π r²) = 27 × 4π ((R)/(3))² Af = 27 × 4π (R²)/(9) = 12π R²Change in surface area:
Δ A = Af - Aᵢ = 12π R² - 4π R² = 8π R²Step 2: Calculate Work Done
Substituting the change in area into the work done formula:
W = T · Δ A = 8π R² TPattern Recognition
For splitting a large drop of radius R into n identical small drops, the change in surface area is given by Δ A = 4π R² (n1/3 - 1). Substituting n = 27 gives Δ A = 4π R² (3 - 1) = 8π R², leading immediately to 8π R² T.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties of Fluids