As temperature increases, what happens to the viscosity of liquids?

As temperature increases, what happens to the viscosity of liquids?

• A. It increases
• B. It remains constant
• C. It decreases
• D. It becomes unpredictable

Answer: (C)

As temperature increases, the viscosity of liquids generally decreases. Viscosity is a measure of a liquid's resistance to flow. When the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the liquid molecules increases, causing them to move more rapidly and collide with each other more frequently. This increased motion overcomes some of the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid together, allowing the liquid to flow more freely. For instance, consider how honey (which is viscous) flows more easily when warmed. In contrast, at lower temperatures, the interactions between the molecules are stronger, resulting in higher viscosity. Therefore, the relationship between temperature and viscosity is inversely proportional: as temperature goes up, viscosity goes down, allowing liquids to flow more easily.

As temperature increases, the viscosity of liquids generally decreases. Viscosity is a measure of a liquid's resistance to flow. When the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the liquid molecules increases, causing them to move more rapidly and collide with each other more frequently. This increased motion overcomes some of the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid together, allowing the liquid to flow more freely.

For instance, consider how honey (which is viscous) flows more easily when warmed. In contrast, at lower temperatures, the interactions between the molecules are stronger, resulting in higher viscosity. Therefore, the relationship between temperature and viscosity is inversely proportional: as temperature goes up, viscosity goes down, allowing liquids to flow more easily.