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 ▸

An electron is accelerated through a uniform electric field of strength, E= 20 [N/C]. Determine the speed after the the electron travels 0.5 m from rest.


The energy of a photon is 1.5MeV. Calculate the frequency associated with this photon energy and state an appropriate unit in your answer.


Why are values of gravitational potential negative?


Sphere A (mass m), moving with speed 3v, collides with sphere B (mass 2m) which is moving in the opposite direction with speed v. The two spheres then combine, calculate the resulting velocity of the combined spheres.