stokes' law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stokes' law” mean?
A physical law describing the settling velocity of a small spherical particle in a viscous fluid under gravity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical law describing the settling velocity of a small spherical particle in a viscous fluid under gravity.
A principle in fluid dynamics stating that the frictional force on a sphere moving through a viscous fluid is proportional to its radius, velocity, and the fluid's viscosity. It is foundational to understanding sedimentation, centrifugation, and aerosol behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both dialects use 'viscosity' and 'velocity'. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Purely technical; no connotative differences.
Frequency
Identical frequency within relevant scientific/engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stokes' law” in a Sentence
Stokes' law governs [noun phrase][Noun phrase] is described by Stokes' lawApplying Stokes' law to [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stokes' law” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Stokesian flow regime is assumed.
American English
- The Stokesian flow regime is assumed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in physics, chemical engineering, geology, and environmental science textbooks and papers to model particle dynamics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential for designing sedimentation tanks, analysing blood cells in plasma, measuring oil droplet fall, or calibrating viscometers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stokes' law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stokes' law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stokes' law”
- Misplacing the apostrophe (Stoke's law).
- Applying it to turbulent flow or large particles where it is invalid.
- Confusing it with Stokes' theorem in mathematics.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are grammatically acceptable. 'Stokes' law' is more common in scientific literature, following the convention for classical possessive forms with ancient or historical names ending in 's'.
Key assumptions include: the particle is spherical and rigid, the fluid is homogeneous and infinite in extent, flow is laminar (very low Reynolds number), and there is no slip at the particle surface.
Yes, for very small particles (like fine dust or aerosols) moving slowly, where the Reynolds number is less than ~0.3. For larger particles or higher speeds, it becomes inaccurate.
Stokes' law (or Stokes drag law) relates to fluid dynamics. Stokes' theorem is a fundamental theorem in vector calculus relating a surface integral of a curl to a line integral. They are different concepts by the same scientist.
A physical law describing the settling velocity of a small spherical particle in a viscous fluid under gravity.
Stokes' law is usually technical/scientific in register.
Stokes' law: in British English it is pronounced /stəʊks lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /stoʊks lɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine Sir George STOKES poking (Stokes) a small ball in thick honey (viscous fluid); the slower it sinks, the more the law applies.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLUID RESISTANCE IS FRICTIONAL DRAG.
Practice
Quiz
Stokes' law is most accurately applied in which scenario?