Question

The flow of oil through a pipe for an oil gusher is laminar if the Reynolds number is:

(a) > 2000
(b) < 2000
(c) = 2000
(d) unknown

Answer 1

The flow of oil through a pipe is laminar if the Reynolds number is below about 2000 and turbulent if it is above about 3000.

For values of the Reynolds number between 2000 and 3000, the flow may be either laminar or turbulent. The flow of oil from an oil gusher is laminar if the Reynolds number is less than 2000.

Therefore, the answer is option (b) < 2000.

Step-by-step explanation:

The flow of oil through a pipe for an oil gusher is laminar if the Reynolds number is below about 2000. For values of the Reynolds number between 2000 and 3000, the flow may be either laminar or turbulent. If the Reynolds number is above about 3000, the flow is turbulent.

Based on the given information, we can calculate the Reynolds number using the formula:

Re = (density × velocity × diameter) / viscosity

Using the values provided:

Re = (900 kg/m³ × v × 0.100 m) / 1.00 Pa·s

Simplifying the equation:

Re = 900v

To determine if the flow is laminar, we need to find the maximum speed of the oil. Since the Reynolds number is 1835 (less than 2000), the flow is laminar.

Therefore, the answer is option (b) < 2000.