EXP2 - Fluid Viscosity Part 2

The viscosities obtained from using the equation widely differs from the published
theoretical values. The approximate viscosity of glycerin, water, and oil are 1.41 N ∙ s /m2at
20°C, 8.91×10−4 N ∙ s / m2 at 25°C, and 3.6×10−2 N ∙ s /m2 at 38°C, respectively. Such
significant deviation suggests that there may be some errors that occurred during the
experiment. A possible source of error may be the decreased accuracy and precision of the
measurement of the terminal velocity because of the human factor involved. Especially in
dark-colored liquids, it is difficult to accurately see the exact moment that the sphere
passed the bottom mark. The use of optical sensors would eliminate this factor and would
provide a more accurate record. Another factor to account for is the presence of a cylinder
wall in the falling sphere apparatus. Using a ball with a size comparable to the cylinder
increases measured viscosity because the small gap between the ball and the cylinder wall
increases shear-stress-induced drag on the ball. This increased drag slows down the
velocity which yields a higher measured viscosity. Moreover, although the distance
between the cylinder wall and the sphere in this experiment is significant enough to not
cause much deviation, it is still an important factor to consider for future experiments.
The results obtained in this experiment are not in agreement with Stokes’ law.
Assuming the data was carefully procured and recorded, this suggests that there may be a
gap in the theory. In a similar study on Stokes’ law and measuring liquid viscosity by
Patrick et al. (2014), the viscosity of glycerin was determined using a rotational
viscometer, and falling ball viscometer. The results showed notable errors and did not
illustrate Stokes’ Law. The researchers proposed a revised formula for drag force,
, which provided a viscosity value closer to the published values

than the first equation. The revised equation presented a 39.3% difference compared to the
viscosity derived from using Stokes’ law.
I. CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental set-up, as the spherical object is made to fall in a liquid column,
three forces act on the object. These forces are Weight, Buoyant force, and Drag force.
Both the Buoyant force and the Drag force are upward forces while the Weight is a
downward force. To determine the viscosity of the liquid, we make use of Stokes’ Law
which shows the mathematical expression of the Drag force resisting the fall of the small
spherical object through a particular liquid. Mathematically, Drag force = 6πRηv. As the
spherical object travels in the liquid column, it reaches its terminal velocity, which is the
maximum velocity of an object as it falls through the liquid column, causing the upward
forces to be equal to the net downward force. The net force will then become equal to zero
and will have zero acceleration. Therefore, the summation of Weight, Buoyant force, and
Drag force is equal to zero. Manipulating the equation will give us the viscosity of a liquid
2 R2
equal to (γ s −γ L ).
9V
With an evident difference between the published value of viscosity and the results of
this experimental set-up, it shows that the falling ball method of measuring the viscosity of
liquids did not verify Stokes’ Law.
For this experimental set-up, in order to eliminate the human factor error, optical
sensors for calculating velocity should be used to record the time of travel and velocity of
the sphere as it moves through the different liquid columns.
II. REFERENCES
Crowe, C. T., Elger, D. F., Williams, B. C., & Roberson, J. A. (2009). Engineering Fluid
Mechanics (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons
Patrick, C., McInturff, T., & Billups, M. (2014, March 27). Stokes' Law, Reynolds
Number, and Measuring Liquid Viscosity. Retrieved September 8, 2021, from
https://www.odinity.com/stokes-law-reynolds-number-measuring-liquid-viscosity/
Physical Properties of Glycerine and its Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.aciscience.org/docs/Physical_properties_of_glycerine_and_its_solutions
.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0nP2iSmJ3ksv-HOBF48Bf1istr-
R9M9NxkksU_gb_UO4pMoPqrhyxUu_s
Viscosity of Engine Oil. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wiki.anton-paar.com/en/engine-

oil/?fbclid=IwAR0SyyU6y6b59kHD8Ire0c6QIFRJ5u4q0DumDhn3EL-n-
xC3bCAviJNrhvk
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/javascript/water-

density.html?
fbclid=IwAR0M9NNmQ_kJyyemmWxMBZrLhh6LmdmcqQumeOXsMgID5fv3KO
xvAfUjCx

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The viscosities obtained from using the equation widely differs from the published

, which provided a viscosity value closer to the published values

Physical Properties of Glycerine and its Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from

Viscosity of Engine Oil. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://wiki.anton-paar.com/en/engine-

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/javascript/water-

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