Coefficient of Viscosity ,ϰ

Apparatus: 1. Long Measuring Cylinder 5. 3 Rubber bands

2. Ball bearings of different diameters 6. Meter Rule
3. 2 Stop watches 7. Micrometer screw gauge
4. Electronic balance 8. Glycerin

Diagram:

Measuring Cylinder
A

Ball-bearing

Rubber bands Glycerin

Method:

The method is suitable for liquids of high viscosity such as glycerin and treacle.

1. The liquid whose coefficient of viscosity is being determined is contained in a large measuring
cylinder. A small ball-bearing of radius, r is dropped gently into the liquid.

2. The time taken for the ball-bearing to fall from mark A to mark B is determined. Providing A is
sufficiently far below the surface, the bearing will have reached its terminal velocity, v, before
reaching A.

3. Repeat the experiment for different radius of ball-bearings and measure the time taken for the
distance AB, where the bearing moves at the terminal speed,v.
Observations & Calculations:

Volume of one ball-bearing = 4/3 π r3 (use the diameter of one ball-bearing)

= ……………………………………………

= …………………………………………… m3

Mass of the same ball bearing = …1.05g……

Density of the ball bearing = mass / Volume

= ………………………………………

= ……………………………………… kgm-3

Density of glycerin = 1260 kg/m3

Distance AB = ……12.3 cm…….

Diameter of Time taken for the distance AB/s Average Time Terminal
ball-bearing t/s Velocity r2/m2
d/mm t1 t2 t3 V/ms—1(AB/t)
3.18 2.59 2.41 2.58
4.00 1.47 1.50 1.52
4.26 0.88 1.16 1.12
6.36 0.44 0.49 0.46

4. Plot a graph of Terminal velocity, V against Radius 2 ,r2.

V = 2 (Pb – Ps)g r2
9ϰ

Y = m x

Therefore, Gradient, m = 2 (Pb – Ps)g

9ϰ

5. Find Coefficient of viscosity, ϰ