Measuring Viscosity
Students calculate the viscosity of various household fluids by measuring the amount of time it takes marble or steel balls to fall given distances through the liquids. They experience what viscosity means, and also practice using algebra and unit conversions.
Through fluids of different viscosities, balls fall at different speeds. Left to right: Dial soap, SW 30 oil and 10W30 motor oil.
Engineers often design devices that transport fluids, use fluids for lubrication, or operate in environments that contain fluids. Thus, engineers must understand how fluids behave under various conditions. Understanding fluid behavior can help engineers to select the optimal fluids to operate in devices or to design devices that are able to successfully operate in environments that contain fluids.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Measure the viscosity of a fluid.
- Describe a fluid as having "high" or "low" viscosity.