Viscosity: That is what the term means
The importance of viscosity is particularly important in chemistry. This unit of measurement determines the resistance of a fluid. Here you can find out what this measure is all about.
The importance of viscosity
The meaning of viscosity is the unit of measurement for the viscosity of a fluid. Fluids are substances that can deform fluently. In the natural sciences, this includes gases and liquids.
- The greater the viscosity of a fluid, the thicker it is. If the viscosity is low, however, the substance is thin.
- Every liquid consists of particles. These are either closely linked or not. If they are close to each other, they are more immobile. Here one speaks of an internal friction.
- The internal friction can be described by the movement of two overlapping, interleaved molecular layers. Because molecules constantly flow and touch in matter.
- A certain force is required to overcome the interlocking of the molecules in this flow. The viscosity defines exactly this force in connection with the fluid and its properties.
- For example, water has a viscosity of 1.0 η. Grape juice, however, is from 2 to 5 η.
- Incidentally, the term goes back to the mistletoe plant (Viscum). Bird glue was previously obtained from this. Therefore, "viscous" also means "tough as bird glue".
In the next article we will explain the Rutherford model to you.