Unit 8

MEASUREMENT OF
THE COEFFICIENT
OF VISCOSITY

Structure
8.1 Introduction Procedure
Observations
Objectives
Calculations
8.2 Viscosity of Liquids
Result
The Coefficient of Viscosity
8.5 Experiment 8B: To Study
Units the Variation of Viscosity
Effect of Temperature
of the Aqueous Solution
of a Detergent with
8.3 Measurement of the Concentration
Coefficient of Viscosity
Principle
Ostwald Viscometer Technique Requirements
8.4 Experiment 8A: To Procedure
Determine the Coefficient Observations
of Viscosity of a Liquid or Calculations
a Dilute Solution by Result
Ostwald Viscometer 8.6 Answers
Principle
Requirements

8.1 INTRODUCTION

In the previous two experiments, you studied about the surface tension, a
property which arises due to intermolecular forces of attraction operating
between the molecules of the liquid. In these two experiments, in the light of
the intermolecular forces, you will study another important property of liquids
i.e. the viscosity.

Viscosity is a property of fluids, i.e., both gases and liquids have viscosity; but
here we will focus our attention only on the liquids. As you know, the liquids are
mobile and have general property to flow, known as fluidity.
131
 When the molecules of a liquid move forward, the surrounding molecules due
to intermolecular forces of attraction, develop a relative tendency to oppose
this movement. Such internal resisting forces that restrain the molecules of a
liquid from flowing past each other, are indeed, responsible for the viscosity of
liquids.

Here, you will study about the measurement of the coefficient of viscosity of a
liquid or an aqueous solution and the variation of viscosity of an aqueous
solution of a detergent with concentration in two experiments viz. Expts. 8A
and Expt. 8B.

Objectives
After studying the basic principles and performing the experiments, you should
be able to:

 distinguish between the fluidity and the viscosity of liquids and correlate
them,
 define the coefficient of viscosity of a liquid and derive its units,
 discuss the effect of temperature and the molecular forces of attraction on
the coefficient of viscosity,
 explain the principle involved in the measurement of the coefficient of
viscosity of a liquid,
 determine the coefficient of viscosity of a liquid or a dilute solution by
Ostwald viscometer technique and
 study the variation of viscosity of an aqueous solution of a detergent with
concentration.

8.2 VISCOSITY OF LIQUIDS

Liquids, in general, have an inherent tendency to flow. But this tendency to flow
H
is not always the same for all liquids. It is a common experience that water
H C O H flows more easily than honey. Therefore, water is said to have lower fluidity.
H C O H On the other hand, honey is said to have lower fluidity. Those liquids which
have lower fluidity are said to be viscous.Their examples being honey, castor
H C O H
oil and glycerol. The viscosity, therefore, measures the resistance of a
H
liquid to flow, while the fluidity measures the ease with which a liquid
Glycerol
can flow. The two quantities, the viscosity and the fluidity, are essentially
1
reciprocal to each other. Thus, we can say that   , where η is the
Coefficient of viscosity is 
represented by the coefficient of viscosity and  is the fluidity.
Greek letter  (eta).
The viscosity is very much influenced by the shape, size and the chemical
nature of the liquid molecules. The greater the size of the molecules and the
higher the molar mass, the higher will be the viscosity because the greater
will be the intermolecular interactions.

The hydrogen bonds also enhance the coefficient of viscosity to a large extent.
It is, indeed, the presence of a network of hydrogen bonds which accounts for
the very high viscosity of glycerol. Incidentally, the larger the number of
132
hydroxyl groups in a molecule, the more complex will be the network of
hydrogen bonds and the greater will be the resistance of a liquid to flow.

In long chain hydrocarbons or polymetric compounds, the viscosity increase

with the increase in the length of the molecular chain. Due to this reason,
heavy hydrocarbon oils and grease (which are used as lubricants) have fairly
high viscosity values.

Similar to the surface tension, you would expect the viscosity to decrease in
intermolecular forces of attraction with increase in temperature. At higher
temperature, the number of hydrogen bonds in a liquid also diminishes and the
viscosity is expected to decrease.

8.2.1 The Coefficient of Viscosity

To define the coefficient of viscosity, let us consider a liquid flowing through a

narrow circular tube. The flowing liquid can be viewed as being composed of
parallel concentric cylindrical layers, See Fig. 8.1 (a). It is assumed that the
layer of liquid in contact of the wall is stationary and each successive layer
starting from the wall towards the centre, moves faster than the previous one.
In other words, the velocity increases to a maximum at the middle of the tube.
Such a flow in which one layer slides smoothly relative to another, with regular
gradation of velocity is called laminar flow and is shown in Fig. 8.1. (b).

Parallel concentric
common cylindrical layers:
central axis V max cylindrical layers of
liquids which have
common central axis as
shown in Fig. 8.1(a).

(a) (b)

Fig. 8.1: (a) Parallel concentric cylindrical layers (b) Laminar Flow.

For such a flow, if at a given temperature dν ¼m s-1½ is the velocity difference

between two successive layers each of area A (m2) which are at a distance
dx(m) , then the net resisting force F operating two successive layers will be
directly proportional to the area A and velocity difference dν , and inversely
proportional to the distance dx , such that dν
is called the velocity
dν dx
F A. gradient.
dx
Unit of
or
dν m s1
  s1
dν dx m
F  η. A .
dx … (8.1)

133
 where, is the proportionality constant and is also called the coefficient of
viscosity of the liquid at the given temperature. Therefore, from Eq. 8.1, we can
write

F

dν … (8.2)
A.
dx
dν
If A is 1 m2 and  1 s 1 is, then   F .
dx
Thus, the coefficient of viscosity of a liquid,  , at a given temperature may be
defined as, the force per unit area required to maintain a unit difference of
velocity between two parallel layers at unit distance apart. This is also
obvious from the Eq. 8.2. For convenience, at times, the coefficient of viscosity
is often called the viscosity of liquids. Having defined the coefficient of
viscosity, let us know study its units.

-2
8.2.2 Units
1N = 1 kg m s

Hence,
In SI system, from Eq. 8.2, we can that

-2 Unit of F N
1 Pa s = 1 m s Units of η  2 1
 N m 2 s
 dν  m .ms
-2
= 1 (kg m ) m s
-2 Unit of  A. 
 dx  
m
-1 -1
= 1 kg m s
Since N m-2 = Pa (Pascal, unit of pressure)
 = Pa s
A liquid has a viscosity In c.g.s. system, the unit of coefficient of viscosity is poise. A liquid has a
of 1 Pa s if a force of IN -2
coefficient of viscosity of one poise if a force of 1 dyne (1 g cm s ) is required
is required to move a
2
plane of 1 m at a to move a plane of 1 cm2 at a velocity of 1 cm s-1 with respect to plane 1 cm
-1
velocity of 1 m s with away and parallel with it.
respect to a plane
Unit of F
surface 1 m away and Unit of  
parallel with it.  dν 
Unit of  A. 
 dx 

dyne

-1
s
cm
cm 2

cm

g cm s-2
=
cm2 s1

 g cm-1 s-1

 poise

In other words, 1 poise = 1 g cm-1 s-1

If you are interested in knowing the conversion from c.g.s. to SI units, go

through the following steps:
134
1 poise = 1 g cm-1 s-1 = 1(10-3 kg) (102 m)-1 s-1

= 10-3 kg × 102 m-1 s-1

= 10-1 kg m-1 s-1

= 10-1 Pa. s

Hence, 10 poise = 1 Pa. s

At this stage, it will be beneficial for you to answer the SAQ’s given below:

SAQ 1
How are the viscosity and the fluidity of a liquid related to each other?

SAQ 2
What does the viscosity of a liquid measure?

SAQ 3
Fill I the blanks with correct words.

Liquids having high…………………… are said to have………………......

viscosity and the liquids with the high ………………………… are said to have
low……………………..

SAQ 4
What are the units of the coefficient of viscosity I the c.g.s. and SI systems?

Let us now study the effect of temperature on viscosity

8.2.3 Effect of Temperature

In liquids, as the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the molecules

increases and the intermolecular forces of attraction become weak, resulting in
the subsequent decrease in the viscosity. The value of the coefficient of
viscosity appreciably drops as the temperature of liquid increases such
that for each degree rise in temperature are related to each other by the
following expression:

A
log η  B … (8.3)
T

135
 where A and B are constants for a given liquid and T is the absolute
temperature. The plot of log  against 1 , therefore, gives a straight line,
T
demonstrating the fact that the viscosity of a liquid rapidly decreases with the
rise in temperature, see Fig. 8.2. (a).

On the other hand, if we plot a graph between coefficient of viscosity and

temperature, we get a curve as shown in Fig. 8.2 (b).

o
Temperature/ C

8.2: Temperature dependence of viscosity.

The viscosities of some liquids are shown in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1: Coefficient of Viscosity of different substances

/
1
0
P
a
s
3
Substance Temperature 0C ( η
Coefficient of Viscosity
 )

Acetic acid 20 1.314

Acetone 20 0.337
Chloroform 15 0.596
Methanol 15 0.544
Mercury 20 1.552

SAQ 5
Fill in the blanks with correct words.
i) With the ………………………… in temperature, the viscosity of a
liquid…………
ii) The viscosity of those liquids which have hydrogen bonds in their
molecular structure, generally…………. with the …....................... in
temperature.
1
iii) The plot of log  against , gives a …………………………
T
136
8.3 MEASUREMENT OF THE COEFFICIENT OF
VISCOSITY
The coefficient of viscosity of liquids is generally determined by using the The flow of liquid
following two methods: through a pipe or tube of
radius r, is associated
i) Ostwald Viscometer technique with Reynolds Number
(R) which is given by the
ii) Falling Sphere Technique following expression,
2r ν d
We will discuss here the principles involved in the first method because in the R

laboratory, you will be measuring the coefficient of viscosity by this technique.
where v is the average
8.3.1 Ostwald Viscometer Technique velocity of the liquid , d
is the density and  is
For the measurement of coefficient of viscosity of liquids having a laminar or the coefficient of
streamlined flow, Poiseuille derived an expression, known as Poiseuille’s viscosity.
equation. This expression is given below.
If the value of R is less
4 than 2100, the flow of
πpr t
η … (8.4)
liquid is said to be
8Vl laminar or streamlined,
and If R is greater than
where  = coefficient of viscosity of the liquid 4000, the flow is termed
as turbulent,

V = volume of the liquid flowing out of the tube

t = time in which the volume V flows

r = radius of the tube

The relationship, p = hdg can be
l = length of the tube derived as follows:

p = driving pressure necessary to maintain uniform rate of flow of volume V, of Force

P
the liquid. Area

This involves the use of Ostwald Viscometer in which a fixed volume of a liquid Mass  Acceleration due to gravity

is allowed to fall under its own weight or the force of gravity, and the required Area
for a given volume of the liquid to flow is noted. Obviously the driving pressure mg

p is replaced by h.d.g, where h is the height of the liquid and d is its density π r2
and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Therefore,
( cross  sectional area of a
2
p = h.d.g cylindrica l layer is πr .
V.dg
Substituting h.d.g. for p in Poiseuille’s Equation i.e., (Eq. 8.4), we get, 
π r2
4
π r .h.d.g.t ( since mass  volume  density )
η … (8.5)
8 Vl π .r 2 .h.d.g

πr 2
If equal volumes of the two liquids (1 and 2) are allowed to fall through the
same capillary tube under identical conditions of temperature and pressure = h.d.g
then, from Eq. 8.5 by comparison, we have

137
 η1 d1.t1
 … (8.6)
During the flow of the η2 d 2.t 2
liquid, as the height (h)
(level) of the liquid where 1, d1 and t1 are, respectively, the coefficient of viscosity, density and
changes. There is a
change in the pressure
time of flow for the liquid 1 under examination and 2, d 2 and t 2 and the
difference (p). But, for corresponding values for the reference liquid (liquid 2). Thus, by knowing
every position of the 2, d 2 ,t 2 and d1 , t1 , the coefficient of viscosity of first liquid, 1 could be
meniscus, p is determined.
proportional to density
(d). Now, answer the following SAQ to check your understanding of the above
discussion.
Thus, p1  d1

and p2  d 2
SAQ 6
i) Name the two methods which can be used for the measurement of the
p1 d1
or  coefficient of viscosity of liquids.
p2 d 2
ii) The vertical flow of a liquid through a capillary is proportional to the
as a result of the …………… of the liquid.
changes in deriving
pressure (p) the rate of Let us now study about the experiments which you will be performing.
flow of the liquid also
changes all the time the
flow is taking place. The 8.4 EXPERIMENT 8A: TO DETERMINE OF THE
rate of flow, i.e., the
volume of liquid flowing COEFFICIENT OF VISCOSITY OF A LIQUID
per second V is OR A DILUTE SOLUTION BY OSTWALD
inversely proportional to
time. Thus, for the VISCOMETER
liquids, 1 and 2, we can
say that Let us first understand the principle of determination of coefficient of
viscosity of a liquid by Ostwald viscometer method.
V1 t1

V2 t 2 8.4.1 Principle

In this experiment, you will make use of the Ostwald viscometer. This is usually
employed in the laboratory for the determination of the coefficient of viscosity of
liquids. Ostwald viscometer is a simple apparatus and is shown in Fig. 8.3. it
consist of a bulb A, with a mark (X) above and a mark (Y) below, attached to a
capillary tube B and a storage bulb C.

138 Fig. 8.3: Ostwald Viscometer

A definite volume of a liquid say, 10 cm3 is introduced into bulb C. The liquid is
then sucked into the bulb A through a rubber tube attached to the end, D. the
liquid is allowed to flow freely from the mark X to the mark Y. Then the time t is
observed for this flow of liquid. This method is very successful for comparing
the viscosity coefficients of two or more liquids solutions.

In Ostwald viscometer, when a liquid is allowed to flow through the capillary

under the influence of gravity, then the instant driving pressure is equal to
h.d.g., where h is the difference in heights between the levels of the liquid in the
two arms, which is constant for a particular set of the liquid in the two arms,
which is also constant. Obviously, the driving pressure is directly proportional
to the density, d, of the liquid.

Since the same capillary is employed, and the same volume V of the liquid
flows through it in each case, the values of r, l, V become all constant.
Therefore, the Eq. 8.5 when applied to two liquids can be written as:
η1 d1t1
 … (8.7)
η0 d0t0

where, the subscripts, 1 and 0, denote the unknown and the reference liquids.
Thus, if we divide the viscosity of the unknown liquid (1 ) with the viscosity of
the reference liquid,0 , (say water), we can get the relative viscosity of the
second liquid with respect to that of water.
η1 d1t1
Hence, the relative viscosity of second liquid = ηrel   … (8.8)
η0 d0t0

To get the absolute viscosity of the liquid, multiply this relative viscosity by the
absolute viscosity of the reference liquid. Thus, for absolute viscosity, the
expression will be
η1d1t1
η1(abs.)  … (8.9)
d 0 t0

8.4.2 Requirements
Apparatus Chemicals
Ostwald Viscometer (small) 1 Distilled water
Stop watch 1 Given liquids 50 to 100 cm3
Thermostat 1
Specific gravity bottle 1
Pipette 10 cm3 1
Rubber tubing (small piece) 1
Thermometer (1100C) 1

139
 8.4.3 Procedure

1. Before use, the Ostwald Viscometer should be first cleaned with chromic
acid solution (K2Cr2O7 + Conc. H2SO4), and then with distilled twice with
water, alcohol or acetone, respectively.

2. Finally, it should be dried by passing the current of dust free air. Make
sure that the capillary of the viscometer does not contain any dust particle
or greasy material inside to pose any obstruction to the flowing liquid.

3. Now, introduce a definite volume of the given liquid (10 cm3) into the bulb
C, and suck the liquid up into the bulb A with the help of the rubber tube
attached to the end D somewhere above the mark X, see Fig. 8.4 (a).
Make sure there is no air bubble inside the liquid.
4. Now, allow the liquid to flow freely through the capillary up to the mark X.
Start a stop watch note the time t1 for the flow of the liquid from the mark X
to the mark Y, see Fig. 8.4 (b).
5. Repeat this process twice or thrice by sucking the liquid into the bulb A
above the mark X and noting the time t1 for the flow of the liquid from mark
X to mark Y. These values should be concordant.
6. Remove the first liquid and then clean and dry the viscometer again.
7. Repeat the above steps by taking an exactly the same volume of water in
bulb C and note the values of time, t0, taken for water to flow mark X to
mark Y.

8. Suck the water up, twice or thrice to obtain other values of t0, as done
above. Repeat the same for second filling.
9. Determine the density of the liquid with the help of specific gravity bottle.
This can be done by taking a definite volume of liquid (say, 5 cm3) in the
specific gravity bottle and determining its mass.
10. Also note down the temperature at which the experiment was performed.

11. Now take the second liquid and perform the steps given above. You can
record your observations in Table 8.3.
140
12. Similarly you can repeat the above steps for the other given liquids-
liquid 3 etc. and record your observations in Table 8.3.

Precautions

1) The volume of the liquids taken in bulb C should be so much that when
sucked up to mark X, it should fill the bulb A and a little should still
remain in the bulb C.

2) The viscometer should be held in a vertical position during the flow of

the liquids.

3) While sucking the liquids, no air bubble should be formed inside the
capillary tube.

You can record your observations in the following manner.

8.4.4 Observations

Temperature of measurement = ……………….= t0C

Density of water at t0 C =……………………= d0 (see from reference tables

in the appendix)

Viscosity of water at t0 C = ……………………. η0 (see from Table 8.2)

Table 8.2: Coefficient of viscosity of water at different temperatures

0
Temperature C 3
Coefficient of Viscosity (η0 /10 Pa s)

0 1.7702
5 1.5108
10 1.3039
15 1.1374
20 1.0019
21 0.9764
22 0.9532
23 0.9310
24 0.9100
25 0.8903
26 0.8703
27 0.8512
28 0.8328
29 0.8145
30 0.7973
35 0.7190
40 0.6526
141
 45 0.5972
50 0.5468
55 0.5042
60 0.4669
65 0.4341
70 0.4050
100 0.2840

Table 8.3: Observations

Liquid Time of flow

First Filling Second Filling

Liquid 1 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t1=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t1=…... Average t1=…...

Liquid 2 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t2=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t2=…... Average t3=…...

Liquid 3 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t3=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t3=…... Average t3=…...

Water (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t0=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t0=…... Average t0=…...

Weight of empty specific gravity bottle = w1  .........g

Weight of bottle + Liquid = w2  ...........g

Weight of bottle + same volume of water = w3  ..........g

8.4.5 Calculations

For Liquid 1:

Density of Liquid 1  d1  w2  w1  d 0
w3  w1

142
Relative viscosity of Liquid 1 = η1  d1.t1  d 0
η0 d 0 .t0

η .d .t
Absolute viscosity of Liquid 1, η1(abs.)  0 1 1
d 0.t0

For calculations of various liquids i.e., liquid 2, liquid 3 etc. their densities
d 2 , d 3 ..... etc. and their relative and absolute viscosities may be calculated
similar to that done above for liquid 1, by using their respective data.

Relative viscosity of Liquid 2  2  d 2 .t 2  d0

0 d 0 .t0

η0 .d 2 .t 2
Absolute viscosity of Liquid 2  η2(abs.) 
d 0 .t 0

Relative viscosity of Liquid 3  3  d3 .t3  d 0

0 d 0 .t0

η0 .d 3 .t 3
Absolute viscosity of Liquid 3  η3(abs.) 
d 0 .t 0

8.4.6 Result
The relative and absolute viscosities of the given liquids were found to be as
reported in the table below:

Table 8.4: Relative and Absolute Viscosities of given liquids

Liquid Relative viscosity Absolute viscosity

Liquid 1 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s
Liquid 2 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s
Liquid 3 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s

EXPERIMENT 8B: TO STUDY THE VARIATON OF

VISCOSITY OF THE AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF A
DETERGENT WITH CONCENTRATION
8.5.1 Principle

In this experiment also, you will make use of the Ostwald viscometer. This is
usually employed in the laboratory for the determination of the coefficient of
viscosity of liquids. Ostwald viscometer is a simple apparatus as you have
used in Experiment 8 A.

143
 Fig. 8.3: Ostwald Viscometer.

Use can refer to Experiment 8 A for details of the viscometer and the principle
for the determination of viscosity of a liquid.
From Experiment 8 A, you remember that

 Eq. 8.7 when applied to two liquids can be written as:

η1 d1t1
 … (8.7)
η0 d0t0

where the subscripts, 1 and 0, denote the unknown and the reference liquids.
C of the unknown liquid (1) with the viscosity of
Thus, if we divide the viscosity
the reference liquid 0 , (say water), we can get the relative viscosity of the
second liquid with respect to that of water.

η1 d1t1
 Also, the relative viscosity of second liquid = ηrel   … (8.8)
η0 d0t0
 To get the absolute viscosity of the liquid, multiply this relative viscosity by
the absolute viscosity of the reference liquid. Thus, for absolute viscosity,
the expression is as follows:

η1d1t
η1(abs.)  … (8.9)
d 0t0

To study the variation of viscosity with concentration of an aqueous solution of

a detergent, we have to determine the viscosities of solutions of the detergent
having different concentrations.
Now, answer the following SAQ to check your understanding of the above
discussion.

8.5.2 Requirements
Apparatus Chemicals
Ostwald Viscometer (small) 1 Distilled water
Stop watch 1 Aqueous solutions of the 50 to 100 cm3
detergent having different
concentrations
144
Thermostat 1
Specific gravity bottle 1
Pipette 10 cm3 1
Rubber tubing (small piece) 1
Thermometer (1100C) 1

8.5.3 Procedure
1. Before use, the Ostwald Viscometer should be first cleaned with chromic
acid solution (K2Cr2O7 + conc. H2SO4), and then with distilled twice with
water, alcohol or acetone, respectively.
2. Finally, it should be dried by passing the current of dust free air. Make
sure that the capillary of the viscometer does not contain any dust particle
or greasy material inside to pose any obstruction to the flowing liquid.
3. Now, introduce a definite volume of the given detergent solution (10 cm3)
into the bulb C, and suck the liquid up into the bulb A with the help of the
rubber tube attached to the end D somewhere above the mark X, See
Fig. 8.4 (a) below which is given again for reference. Make sure that there
is no air bubble inside the liquid.

4. Now, allow the liquid to flow freely through the capillary upto the mark X.
Start a stop watch note the time t1 for the flow of the liquid from mark X to
mark Y, See Fig. 8.4 (b) above.
5. Repeat this process twice or thrice by sucking the solution into the bulb A
above the mark X and noting the time t1 for the flow of the liquid from mark
X to mark Y. These values should be concordant.
6. Remove the first solution and then clean and dry the viscometer again.
7. Repeat the above steps by taking an exactly the same volume of water in
bulb C and note the values of time, t0, taken for water to flow mark X to
mark Y.
8. Suck the water up, twice or thrice to obtain other values of t0, as done
above. Repeat the same for second filling.

145
 9. Determine the density of the liquid with the help of specific gravity bottle.
This can be done by taking a definite volume of liquid (say, 5 cm3) in the
specific gravity bottle and determining its mass.
10. Also note down the temperature at which the experiment was performed.
11. Now take the second solution of the detergent having different
concentration and perform the steps given above. You can record your
observations in Table 8.5.

12. Similarly you can repeat the above steps for the other solutions of the
detergent having different concentrations and record your observations in
Table 8.5.

Precautions

1) The volume of the liquids taken in bulb C should be so much that when
sucked up to mark X, it should fill the bulb A and a little should still
remain in the bulb C.

2) The viscometer should be held in a vertical position during the flow of

the liquids.

3) While sucking the liquids, no air bubble should be formed inside the
capillary tube.

You can record your observations in the following manner.

8.5.4 Observations

Temperature of measurement = ………….= t 0C

Density of water at t 0C =………= d0 (see from reference tables in the
appendix)

Viscosity of water at t 0C = …………(See from Table 8.2 which has been

given here again)
Table 8.2: Coefficient of viscosity of water at different temperatures

0 3
Temperature C Coefficient of Viscosity ( η0 /10 Pa s)

0 1.7702
5 1.5108
10 1.3039
15 1.1374
20 1.0019
21 0.9764
22 0.9532
23 0.9310
24 0.9100
25 0.8903
26 0.8703
27 0.8512

146
 0 3
Temperature C Coefficient of Viscosity ( η0 /10 Pa s)

28 0.8328
29 0.8145
30 0.7973
35 0.7190
40 0.6526
45 0.5972
50 0.5468
55 0.5042
60 0.4669
65 0.4341
70 0.4050
100 0.2840

Table 8.3: Observations

Solutions having Time of flow

different
concentrations
of the detergent

First Filling Second Filling

Solution 1 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t1=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t1=…... Average t1=…...

Solution 2 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t2=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t2=…... Average t3=…...

Solution 3 (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t3=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t3=…... Average t3=…...

Water (i)…………… (i)……………

(ii) …………... (ii) …………... Average t0=….s
(iii) ………….. (iii) …………..
Average t0=…... Average t0=…...

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 Weight of empty specific gravity bottle = w1  .........g

Weight of bottle + Liquid = w2  ...........g

Weight of bottle + same volume of water = w3  ..........g

8.5.5 Calculations
For Solution 1:

Density of Solution 1 = d1  w2  w1  d 0
w3  w1

Relative viscosity of Solution 1 = η1  d1.t1  d 0

η0 d 0 .t0

η .d .t
Absolute viscosity of Solution 1, η1(abs.)  0 1 1
d 0.t0

For calculations of various l Solutions i.e., Solution 2, Solution 3 etc. their

densities d 2 , d 3 ..... etc. and their relative and absolute viscosities may be
calculated similar to that done above for Solution 1, by using their respective
data.

Relative viscosity of Solution 2  2  d 2 .t 2  d0

0 d 0 .t0

η0 .d 2 .t 2
Absolute viscosity of Solution 2  η2(abs.) 
d 0 .t 0

Relative viscosity of Solution 3  3  d3 .t3  d 0

0 d 0 .t0

η0 .d 3 .t 3
Absolute viscosity of Solution 3  η3(abs.) 
d 0 .t 0

8.5.6 Result
The relative and absolute viscosities of the solutions of the detergent having
different concentrations were found to be as reported in the table below:
Table 8.6: Relative and Absolute Viscosities of solutions of the detergent
having different concentrations

Solution Relative Absolute

viscosity viscosity

Solution 1 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s

Solution 2 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s

Solution 3 ………………. Pa s ………………. Pa s

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After determining the viscosities for solutions of the same detergent having different
concentration, use can plot a graph of the values of coefficient of viscosity vs
concentration values ¼c1, c2, c3, c4½.

You can discuss the graph with your counsellor and find out the possible
reasons for the variation of viscosity with concentration of the detergent
solution.

8.6 ANSWERS
Self Assessment Questions
1. They are reciprocal to each other.
2. Viscosity of a liquid measures its resistance to flow.
3. Fluidity, low, viscosity, fluidity
4. Poise, Pa s
5. i) rise, decreases
ii) decreases, increase/rise
iii) straight line
6. i) Ostwald technique, Falling sphere technique
ii) density

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