Fluid Mechanics

Step 1: Statement (A).
Tangential force is directly proportional to the velocity difference between two adjacent layers. This is true because the force needed to maintain different speeds in adjacent liquid layers depends on the difference in velocity. The greater the velocity difference, the higher the tangential force required. Hence, statement (A) is correct.

Step 2: Statement (B).
Tangential force is inversely proportional to the area of contact between the two adjacent layers. When the area of contact between the layers is smaller, the force required to maintain the velocity difference is greater. Thus, statement (B) is correct.

Step 3: Statement (C).
Tangential force is inversely proportional to the distance between the two adjacent layers. As the layers move closer together, the force required to maintain the velocity difference decreases. Therefore, statement (C) is also correct.

Step 4: Conclusion.
All three statements are correct, so the correct answer is (1).

Final Answer: