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Question

For a small spherical droplet of liquid with surface tension σ and diameter d, which of the following correctly expresses the pressure intensity inside the droplet p due to surface tension?

This question was previously asked in
RRB JE 2025 CBT 2 Mechanical and Allied Engg Question Paper English (2-Jul-2026) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

$p=\frac{4\sigma}{d}$


 

To determine the pressure intensity inside a small spherical droplet due to surface tension, we use the formula for pressure difference caused by surface tension in a spherical droplet. The formula for this is derived from the Young-Laplace equation, which relates the pressure difference across a curved surface to the surface tension and the radius of curvature.

The pressure difference \(\Delta p\) due to surface tension in a droplet is given by:

\(\Delta p = \frac{2\sigma}{r}\)

In the case of a droplet, the formula gets adjusted because the pressure acts across a curved surface from both sides (the inner and the outer curvature for a spherical droplet). For a droplet, the formula becomes:

\(\Delta p = \frac{4\sigma}{d}\)

Here, \(\sigma\) is the surface tension and d is the diameter of the droplet. This adjustment is because the droplet shape assumes a symmetry where the number of acting surfaces or interfaces doubles for each radius of curvature.

Among the given options, the correct formula representing the pressure intensity inside the droplet due to surface tension is:

\(p = \frac{4\sigma}{d}\)

This correctly accounts for the curvature effects present in the spherical droplet. Thus, in conclusion, the correct answer is:

Option 2: p = \frac{4\sigma}{d}

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Important Questions from Surface Tension

  1. Falling drops of rain break up and coalesce with each other and finally achieve an approximately spherical shape in the steady state. The radius of such a drop scales with the surface tension σ as

  2. The property of a fluid which enables it to resist tensile stress is known as

  3. Above the critical micelle concentration (CMC), the option which correctly describes the variation of molar conductivity with increase in concentration of sodium dodecylsulphate în aqueous solution is

  4. If the surface tension of the soap bubble is 0.035 N/m, then the work done in blowing the soap bubble of radius 5 cm in the air is.

  5. Addition of detergent to liquid

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