Falling Speed Formula:
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The falling speed refers to the constant speed at which a particle falls through a fluid (liquid or gas) when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force and buoyant force acting on the particle. It is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and particle sedimentation studies.
The calculator uses the falling speed formula:
Where:
Explanation: The falling speed is calculated by dividing the outer height by the detention time, representing the distance traveled per unit time under balanced forces.
Details: Calculating falling speed is crucial for understanding particle behavior in fluids, designing sedimentation systems, analyzing environmental particle transport, and optimizing industrial processes involving particle-fluid interactions.
Tips: Enter outer height in meters, detention time in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What factors affect the falling speed of particles?
A: Particle size, density, fluid viscosity, fluid density, and gravitational acceleration all influence the falling speed of particles in a fluid.
Q2: When is the falling speed constant?
A: The falling speed becomes constant when the gravitational force is balanced by the drag force and buoyant force, known as the terminal velocity.
Q3: How does particle shape affect falling speed?
A: Particle shape significantly affects drag forces. Spherical particles typically fall faster than irregularly shaped particles of the same mass due to lower drag coefficients.
Q4: What are typical falling speed values for small particles?
A: Falling speeds vary widely depending on particle size and fluid properties. For small particles in water, speeds typically range from micrometers to centimeters per second.
Q5: How is this calculation used in real-world applications?
A: This calculation is essential in water treatment plants, air pollution control, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and geological studies where particle sedimentation is important.