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 car of mass m travelling with a velocity v comes to rest over a distance d in time t. The constant frictional force acting on the car while it is braking is found using:


Why do capacitors dis/charge suddenly and then slow down?


What is the difference between distance and displacement?


The electric potential energy of two protons is 1.0MeV. Calculate their separation