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
Answered by Juan N. Physics tutor

7015 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An exo-planet orbits its local star, of mass 2.00x10^30kg, in a steady circular orbit of radius 8.00x10^8km. Calculate the orbital period of the star, in years.


What are the main differences between magnetic and electric fields?


What is the optimum angle to throw a snowball for maximum horizontal displacement? (Ignore air resistance, assume the snowball is thrown level with the ground. The angle is measured from the ground up)


How do we know the energy of a photon (light particle) is quantised?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning