Fluids (liquids and gases) flow, some more easily than others. Those with high viscosity (more viscous) flow slowly. Those with low viscosity (less viscous) flow easily. It can be described as the stickiness of a fluid (a liquid or a gas). It is more difficult to move an object through a liquid with high viscosity.

 

How will viscosity affect the time taken for an air bubble to travel through the liquid? 

 

 

Viscosity is the resistance a fluid has to flow and is caused by internal friction. It makes it resist flowing past a solid mass, or in this case resists against air flowing through the fluid.

If a fluid is highly viscous it means the resistance of flow is high, such as treacle or heavy oils.  If a fluid has low viscosity or is non-viscous it has little resistance of flow, such as water.

 

Groups and changing materials

Characteristics of materials

Solids, liquids and how they can be separated