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 ▸

What is the maximum speed of an electron emitted from a metal surface with a threshold frequency of 5.706*10^(14) by light with a wavelength of 350nm?


If the force between two point charges of charge 'Q1' and 'Q2' which are a distance 'r' apart is 'F' then what would the force be if the charge of 'Q1' is tripled and the distance between them doubled?


What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?


Derive an expression for the time taken, (t) for a test mass to fall to the ground from a height (h) in a uniform gravitational field (g = 9.81 ms^-2)