![high vs low viscosity high vs low viscosity](https://www.swep.net/globalassets/handbooks/industrial-handbook/03.-oil-as-a-heat-transfer-fluid/2019/3-3.png)
Think of a child sliding around the floor in socks. More friction reduces the flow rate, but less friction increases the flow rate. These abnormally-shaped particles can also cause more internal friction. The particles in molasses are a bit larger than the more compact particles of water, so molasses has a harder time flowing. Particles that resist movement and have a lower flow rate (which is simply how fast the liquid runs) have a higher viscosity.Īnother factor that can affect viscosity is that particles can have different shapes, and bigger particles have a harder time moving around each other than little ones. In colder temperatures, the particles settle in closer together there’s less space between the particles, and that means it’s harder for them to move around. That can increase a liquid’s viscosity, making it more sluggish and difficult to manipulate. Thus, the liquid flows quickly, which is why heating up syrup that’s been in the refrigerator for a while makes it come more readily out of the bottle the heat lessens the viscosity.Īlternatively, when liquids are cooled, their particles move more slowly because they have less energy. When particles have more energy (or more heat), they can move around each other more easily. It will help to understand viscosity by remembering some basics about how particles behave from high school science class. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually easy to break down and understand because it’s everywhere in our daily lives. The reason is because honey has a higher viscosity (or thickness) than water. Water would pour much more quickly through a sieve than honey would. Study the difference between the thickness of honey and water. A basic method to looking for an everyday example of viscosity would be to simply observe the thickness of liquid. It’s sort of like how much friction liquid can have. Molasses and maple syrup are two examples of viscous liquids.Viscosity is essentially a numerical value that can explain a fluid’s resistance to flow. Viscous The property of being thick, sticky and hard to pour. Honey is very viscous, for instance, while water has relatively low viscosity. Viscosity corresponds to the idea of how “thick” a liquid is. Viscosity The measure of a fluid’s resistance to stress. (in physics) Pressure or tension exerted on a material object. (in psychology) A mental, physical, emotional, or behavioral reaction to an event or circumstance, or stressor, that disturbs a person or animal’s usual state of being or places increased demands on a person or animal psychological stress can be either positive or negative. Stress (in biology) A factor, such as unusual temperatures, moisture or pollution, that affects the health of a species or ecosystem. These dwell nearly everywhere on Earth, from the bottom of the sea to inside animals. It’s also an extremely flammable liquid solvent used, for example, in nail polish remover.īacterium ( plural bacteria) A single-celled organism.
![high vs low viscosity high vs low viscosity](https://i1.rgstatic.net/publication/14875877_Low-vs_high-viscosity_cement_in_hip_arthroplasty_No_radiographic_difference_in_226_arthrosis_cases_followed_for_5_years/links/54fd4c320cf2c3f524243e35/largepreview.png)
Follow Eureka! Lab on Twitter Power Words (for more about Power Words, click here)Īcetone A chemical produced by the body that is detectable in people’s breath.