Question

Consider separation of dust particles from gases in a cyclone separator. For a given particle size, the terminal velocity is maximum:

• A. at a location near the wall of the cyclone
• B. at an intermediate location between the centre and the wall of the cyclone
• C. at a location near the center of the cyclone
• D. at the wall of the cyclone

Hint:

In cyclone separators, particles experience the highest centrifugal force near the wall, which leads to the maximum terminal velocity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Cyclone Separator Particle Dynamics.
Particles in a cyclone separator experience centrifugal forces. Terminal velocity, the velocity at which particle acceleration ceases, is greatest at the cyclone's periphery (near the wall). This occurs because centrifugal force escalates with increasing radius from the cyclone's center, resulting in elevated velocities adjacent to the wall.

Step 2: Option Analysis.
- (A) The wall of the cyclone exhibits the highest centrifugal force, leading particles to attain maximum terminal velocity. - (B) and (C) These locations do not represent maximum terminal velocity due to reduced centrifugal force compared to outer cyclone regions. - (D) The cyclone wall is definitively where maximum terminal velocity is achieved.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{A) at a location near the wall of the cyclone}} \]