Name Class Date

Liquid Viscosity Activity

Background information: Liquids are substances that take the shape of their container and have molecules with a strong attraction to each other. Unlike the molecules in a solid, the molecules in a liquid are able to move around each other. Viscosity is a property of liquids that measures a liquids resistance to changing shape. Liquids with a high viscosity (those we call “thick”) do not change shape easily, and liquids with a low viscosity(those we call “thin”) do change shape easily.

Objectives: To observe and compare liquids based on their viscosity.

To collect and analyze data to form conclusions.

Materials: Seven different liquidsin beakers labeled honey, corn syrup, detergent, vegetable oil, maple syrup, milk of magnesia, water; eye droppers; test cards.

Directions:

  1. Gather the materials.
  2. Record your observations of each liquid as it appears in the beaker. (Use good description words.)
  3. Place your test card flat on the table and place one big drop of each liquid on the starting points.
  4. When everyone has their test card ready, start the timer and lean the test cards up against your books.
  5. Record the finish time and order of finish for each liquid.
  6. Place your individual finish order (1st place, 2nd place etc.) up on the smart board for class data.
  7. Fill in the class results on your data table and answer the questions.

Data:

Liquid / Observations / Finish Time / Your Results (Finish Order) / Class Results (Finish Order)
Honey
Corn Syrup
Detergent
Vegetable Oil
Maple Syrup
Milk of Magnesia
Water

Questions:

  1. Based on your data above, which liquid has the highest viscosity? Explain why you think this liquid has the highest viscosity.
  1. Based on your data above, which liquid has the lowest viscosity? Explain why you think this liquid has the lowest viscosity.
  1. Compare the class results with your results. Are there any differences between your results and the class results? Yes/No If there is a difference, explain why some people had different results than you did.
  1. Why do you think we collected class data instead of just one person’s results? What makes the class data better for developing our conclusions?
  1. You have a problem with two pieces of metal sticking together when they should slide easily. What type viscosity would you want in a liquid used to help these two things not stick? Explain why.