Coefficient of viscosity
Definition
The coefficient of viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It quantifies the internal friction within the fluid.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The unit of coefficient of viscosity in the SI system is Pascal-second (Pa·s).
- Viscosity decreases with increasing temperature for most liquids but increases for gases.
- Newtonian fluids have a constant coefficient of viscosity, while non-Newtonian fluids do not.
- The coefficient of viscosity can be determined experimentally using viscometers or rheometers.
- Stokes' law relates the force experienced by a spherical object moving through a viscous fluid to the fluid's coefficient of viscosity.
Review Questions
- What is the SI unit for the coefficient of viscosity?
- How does temperature affect the coefficient of viscosity in liquids and gases?
- What distinguishes Newtonian fluids from non-Newtonian fluids regarding their coefficients of viscosity?
"Coefficient of viscosity" appears in:
Related terms
Newtonian Fluid: A type of fluid whose viscosity remains constant regardless of applied stress.
Non-Newtonian Fluid: A type of fluid whose viscosity changes when stress or shear rate is applied.
Stokes' Law: $$F = 6 \pi \eta r v$$, where \( F \) is the drag force, \( \eta \) is the coefficient of viscosity, \( r \) is the radius of the sphere, and \( v \) is its velocity.
