Question

The flow of liquid is laminar or streamline is determined by
(A) Rate of flow of liquid
(B) Density of fluid
(C) Radius of the tube
(D) Coefficient of viscosity of liquid

Answer 1

Hint
Firstly, we will write the main characteristics of streamline motion and turbulent motion. Viscosity of fluid is responsible for the streamline motion. We know that the value of Reynold’s number is dependent on the viscosity of fluid. So, if the value of Reynold’s number increases, we can say this is streamline motion. So, the flow of liquid is determined by the coefficient of viscosity.

Complete step by step answer
We know that if the velocity of a flow inside the liquid remains constant both in magnitude and direction then the flow is known as streamline or laminar flow.
The path followed by a molecule of a liquid in streamline motion is known as streamline.
And if the velocity of flow of a liquid exceeds a particular value then the flow becomes haphazard, random, the molecules of the liquid change their path with time and suffer collisions among themselves, a part of energy of the liquid gets converted into sound, heat and vortex are formed. This type of flow is called turbulent flow.
We know that if the velocity of a flow of a liquid to a pipe exceeds a particular value then the flow becomes turbulent.
Basically, the flow of liquid is laminar or streamline is determined by, coefficient of the tube.
A parameter called Reynold’s number (K) which is basically the ratio of the internal forces to viscous forces.
For streamline motion the value of Reynold’s number should be $\left( K \right) < 1000$ for a narrow tube.
If $K > 1000$ then the flow becomes turbulent.
So, the flow of liquid is laminar or streamline is determined by coefficient of viscosity of liquid. Reynold’s number depends upon the value coefficient of viscosity (option-D).

Additional Information
Reynold’s number is a dimensionless pure number. Reynold’s number is a pure number which determines the nature of fluid flow through a tube.

Note
Laminar flow occurs when viscous forces come into play which is dependent on velocity gradient and viscosity. The viscous force is larger than inertial forces. The inertial forces are dependent on flow velocity and density. So, option ‘B’ and ‘D’ will not be correct.