Answer to Question #193513 in Biology for Robij

Question

Explain how viscosity is related to the flow and attraction between atoms in a liquid.

Answer 1

The intermolecular forces between atoms in a liquid, the size of atoms and the temperature determine how easily a liquid flows. The atoms within a liquid are surrounded by other particles and are attracted equally in all directions within the liquid. However, the particles on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by half of the atoms. The viscosity of a liquid is a measure of its resistance to flow. More complex interactions between atoms cause higher viscosity.