What is viscosity?

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It describes the internal friction of a moving fluid. A fluid with large viscosity resists motion because its molecular makeup gives it a lot of internal friction. A fluid with low viscosity flows easily because its molecular makeup results in very little friction when it is in motion.
Gases also have viscosity, although it is a little harder to notice it in ordinary circumstances.

JN

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A stone is thrown horizontally at 5m/s from a platform 10m above ground. Find time till impact with ground.


The Σ0 baryon, composed of the quark combination uds, is produced through the strong interaction between a π+ meson and a neutron. π+ + n →Σ0 + X What is the quark composition of X?


Difference between compression ignition engine and a spark ignition engine


Using the substitution u=cosx + 1, show that the integral of sinx e^cosx+1 is equal to e(e-1), for the values of x between x=π/2 and x=0