Question:

Viscosity is a property of?

Updated On: Aug 16, 2023
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Solution and Explanation

Viscosity is a property of fluids
It is a measure of the resistance of a fluid to flow or deform under an applied force or stress. Viscosity arises due to the internal friction between the different layers of fluid as they move relative to each other. 
Viscosity is observed in both liquids and gases, although its effects are more pronounced in liquids due to their greater intermolecular forces and closer packing of molecules. 
Viscosity depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, and the molecular structure of the fluid. It is typically measured in units such as poise or pascal-seconds (Pa·s) for liquids and poiseuille (Pa·s) or centipoise (cP) for gases.

Viscosity is a characteristic inherent to fluids. It encompasses the tendency of fluids to counteract the movement of particles within them. Notably, viscosity is notably influenced by alterations in temperature and pressure.

The viscosity of fluids primarily hinges on the intermolecular forces that exist between the constituent molecules or particles. As temperature escalates, the gap between particles enlarges, leading to a corresponding augmentation in fluid viscosity. Conversely, lowered temperatures contract intermolecular distances, causing a reduction in fluid viscosity.

Viscosity is accountable for endowing substances or materials with thickness. However, it's important to note that viscosity is not applicable to solids; it exclusively pertains to fluids such as liquids and gases.

Was this answer helpful?
1
0

Top Questions on mechanical properties of fluid

View More Questions

Concepts Used:

Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. The SI unit of viscosity is poiseiulle (PI). Its other units are newton-second per square metre (N s m-2) or pascal-second (Pa s.) The dimensional formula of viscosity is [ML-1T-1].

Viscosity: Formula

Viscosity is measured in terms of a ratio of shearing stress to the velocity gradient in a fluid. If a sphere is dropped into a fluid, the viscosity can be determined using the following formula:

η = [2ga2(Δρ)] / 9v

Where ∆ρ is the density difference between fluid and sphere tested, a is the radius of the sphere, g is the acceleration due to gravity and v is the velocity of the sphere.

Viscosity: Types

  • Dynamic viscosity: When the viscosity is measured directly by measuring force. It is defined as the ratio of shear stress to the shear strain of the motion. Dynamic viscosity is used to calculate the rate of flow in liquid.
  • Kinematic viscosity: There is no force involved. It can be referred to as the ratio between the dynamic viscosity and density of the fluid. It can be computed by dividing the dynamic viscosity of the fluid with fluid mass density.
  • Laminar flow: Laminar flow is the type of flow in which the fluid moves smoothly or in a regular path from one layer to the next. Laminar flow occurs in lower velocities.