VISCOSITY LAB
Name: ________________________
Class: ________________
Introduction
Viscosity is described as the physical property of a liquid that limits its ability to flow. We
may use the words thick or thin to describe viscosity. Flow rate is the speed a fluid moves in
a given amount of time.
Purpose:
1.
2.
Determine how temperature affects viscosity of a fluid.
Determine the flow rate of various fluids.
Hypothesis:
Material:
Timer
3 Cooking Oil samples (room temperature, fridge temperature for 20 min.,
heated in microwave for 45 seconds)
Temperature probes – Pascal (or thermometer)
4 Styrofoam cups
100ml beaker (must be graduated)
Sharp object to pierce bottom of Styrofoam cup
Retort stand & clip (to hold the Styrofoam cup)
Paper towels
Procedure: 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Place 80 mls of oil in 3 Styrofoam cups. Place one cup at room
temperature, one in the freezer (20 mins), and one in the microwave. (45
seconds. Do not heat until ready to test the heated sample.)
Measure the temperature of each sample of oil, immediately before you
start the experiment.
Place the empty Styrofoam cup in the retort stand clip. Pierce a pencil
size hole in the bottom. Use this cup for all 3 experiments to insure the
same size opening is used for all. Place the graduated beaker under the
cup to collect the oil.
Cover the opening with your finger and pour the room temp oil into the
cup.
Start the stop watch and release your finger from the hole
simultaneously.
Note the time, in seconds, that the fluid takes to arrive at the 70ml line.
(Note: Begin with 80 mls to allow for fluid remaining in Styrofoam cup)
Repeat with each of the remaining 2 samples of oil.
Observations:
Liquid
Seconds
Flow Rate
Flow rate = volume of fluid
time (sec.)
Temperature
Room Temp. Oil
Freezer Oil
Heated Oil
Conclusion
A.
Which sample of oil had the highest viscosity?
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B.
Which sample had the lowest viscosity?
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C.
What are the factors that can influence the flow rate of a fluid?
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Diagram: Give a visual representation of this lab.