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Grade 12Mechanics

I have a doubt in below given theory

Force Approach

Consider the equilibrium of a hemispherical portion of a liquid bubble of radius R and surface tension T as shown in the figure. For the equilibrium of the liquid bubble.

F0 - Fi + FT = 0 = 0 where F0 = force due to the outside pressure.

Fi = force due to the inside pressure

FT = force due to the surface tension

P0ΠR2 - PiΠR2 + 2(2ΠRT) = 0

=> Pi - P0 = 4T/R

(Shouldn’t it be Po.2ΠR2 - PiΠR2 + 2(2ΠRT) = 0 ? )

Profile image of Ritvik Kolhe
9 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer11 Months ago

Let's break down the equilibrium of a liquid bubble and clarify the forces at play. The equation you've mentioned is crucial for understanding how pressure and surface tension interact in a hemispherical bubble. The confusion seems to stem from the forces acting on the bubble and how they are represented in the equation.

Understanding the Forces Acting on the Bubble

In a liquid bubble, we have three main forces to consider:

  • F0: The force due to the outside pressure (P0).
  • Fi: The force due to the inside pressure (Pi).
  • FT: The force due to surface tension (T).

The equilibrium condition states that the sum of these forces must equal zero, which is expressed as:

F0 - Fi + FT = 0

Breaking Down the Equation

Now, let's analyze the equation you provided:

P0ΠR2 - PiΠR2 + 2(2ΠRT) = 0

Here’s how each term contributes:

  • The term P0ΠR2 represents the force exerted by the outside pressure on the hemispherical surface area of the bubble.
  • The term PiΠR2 represents the force exerted by the inside pressure on the same area.
  • The term 2(2ΠRT) accounts for the force due to surface tension acting along the curved surface of the bubble. The factor of 2 arises because there are two surfaces (inside and outside) contributing to the surface tension effect.

Why the Original Equation is Correct

Now, regarding your question about whether it should be P0·2ΠR2 instead of P0·ΠR2: the original equation is correct as it stands. The reason is that we are considering the net force acting on the hemispherical portion of the bubble, which only involves the pressure acting on the area of the hemisphere, not the full sphere. Thus, we use ΠR2 for both pressures.

When we rearrange the equation:

PiΠR2 - P0ΠR2 = 4T/R

We can factor out ΠR2:

Pi - P0 = 4T/R

Conclusion on Pressure Difference

This final expression, Pi - P0 = 4T/R, indicates that the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the bubble is directly related to the surface tension and inversely related to the radius of the bubble. This relationship is fundamental in fluid mechanics and helps explain phenomena such as why smaller bubbles have higher internal pressures.

In summary, the original equation you provided is indeed correct, and understanding the forces involved clarifies why the pressure difference is expressed as it is. If you have any further questions or need more examples, feel free to ask!