Stokes' Law Calculator
The Stokes' law calculator will help you determine either the viscosity of a fluid or the terminal velocity of a part...
What Stokes' Law Calculator does
The Stokes' Law Calculator on Omni Calculator determines either the viscosity of a fluid or the terminal velocity of a spherical particle falling through it. By inputting known values such as particle diameter, densities, and gravity, the tool solves for the unknown variable using the standard Stokes' law formula. The output provides the calculated physical property with clear units, making it suitable for quick physics problems or engineering estimates. The calculator is embedded within a larger suite of fluid mechanics tools, offering a streamlined interface for students and professionals alike. It also includes contextual definitions and examples, such as comparing honey and water viscosity, to help users interpret the results meaningfully. A 'Share result' button allows for easy export of the calculation, and the tool links to related calculators for extended learning.
How to use the Omni Calculator Stokes' Law Calculator
- 1
Select whether you want to calculate 'Viscosity' or 'Terminal velocity'.
- 2
Enter the particle diameter, medium density, and particle density into the respective fields.
- 3
Adjust the acceleration of gravity if needed, or use the default value.
- 4
Input the known medium viscosity if calculating terminal velocity, or leave it blank if solving for viscosity.
- 5
View the result displayed with its units, and use the 'Share result' or 'Clear all' buttons as needed.
Best for
This option suits physics students, educators, and engineers who need to quickly solve for fluid viscosity or terminal velocity in a falling ball viscometer setup without manual equation rearrangement.
Limitations
- Designed specifically for spherical particles and laminar flow conditions; non-spherical particles or turbulent flow will yield inaccurate r
- Assumes the fluid is Newtonian and the particle Reynolds number is very low; it may not apply to highly viscous or non-Newtonian fluids.
- Results are estimates based on idealized conditions and may not account for edge effects in real-world viscometer tubes.
Stokes' Law Calculator FAQ
- Can I use this calculator for particles that are not perfectly spherical?
- No, Stokes' law assumes a spherical shape. Non-spherical particles experience different drag forces, so the calculated viscosity or velocity would be inaccurate. For irregular shapes, specialized drag coefficient calculators are recommended.
- What units should I use for particle diameter and density?
- The calculator accepts standard metric units: meters for diameter, kilograms per cubic meter for densities. If you input other units, ensure consistency or convert them beforehand to avoid errors in the result.
- Does the calculator work for gases as well as liquids?
- Yes, the tool can handle both gases and liquids, as viscosity is a property of any fluid. However, Stokes' law is most accurate for small particles moving slowly through viscous liquids; for gases, the particle size and speed must be very small to maintain laminar flow.
- How do I know if my result is physically realistic?
- Compare the calculated terminal velocity with expected values for similar particles and fluids. If the velocity seems unreasonably high or the viscosity orders of magnitude off from known values (e.g., water at ~0.001 Pa·s), double-check your input units and particle dimensions.
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