One end of a V-tube containing mercury is connected to a suction pump and the other end to atmosphere. The two arms of the tube are inclined to horizontal at an angle of each. A small pressure difference is created between two columns when the suction pump is removed. Will the column of mercury in V-tube execute simple harmonic motion? Neglect capillary and viscous forces. Find the time period of oscillation.
Let initial height = h0 of liquid in both columns; due to pressure difference, if the liquid in arm A is pressed by x, then liquid in arm B will rise by x.
Let us consider dx as an element of height, then,
Mass where, Area of a cross-section of tube = A
PE of left dm element columns = (dm) gh
& PE of dm in left columns =
Thus, total PE in left column =
From the figure
Thus, PE in left column = PE in right column =
Thus, total potential energy =
Let the element move towards right by y units due to the pressure difference, then,
Liquid column in left arm = (l – y)
Liquid column in right arm = (l + y)
PE in left arm =
PE in right arm =
Total
Final
Change PE = Final PE – Initial PE
If there is change in velocity(v) of liquid column,
Thus,
Now, change in total energy =
Total change in energy,
Thus,
is not equal to 0, thus,
Now, let us differentiate w.r.t. t,
Since 4v is not equal to 0,
Thus,
Thus,