Solution
Related Formula
VT = (2r² g)/(9η) (ρ - σ)VT ∝ r²
Core Logic
When 64 small drops (radius R₁) coalesce to form a bigger drop (radius R₂), mass and volume are conserved.
64 ((4)/(3) π R₁³) = (4)/(3) π R₂³ R₂³ = 64 R₁³ R₂ = 4 R₁Step 1: Terminal Velocity Ratio
Since terminal velocity VT ∝ R²:
((VT)₁)/((VT)₂) = ( (R₁)/(R₂) )² = ( (1)/(4) )² = (1)/(16)Given (VT)₁ = 10 cm/s:
(10)/((VT)₂) = (1)/(16) (VT)₂ = 160 cm/sPattern Recognition
When N identical drops coalesce, the new radius is N1/3 times the old radius. Consequently, the new terminal velocity scales precisely as N2/3. For N=64, 642/3 = 16. Just multiply initial v by 16.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Mechanical Properties of Fluids