How is the flow rate of a fluid related to its viscosity?
How is the flow rate of a fluid related to its temperature?
The flow rate of a fluid is directly related to its viscosity and temperature.
1. Viscosity: Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. The higher the viscosity of a fluid, the lower its flow rate will be. This is because high viscosity fluids have stronger internal frictional forces that impede the movement of molecules, resulting in slower flow rates. On the other hand, low viscosity fluids flow more easily and therefore have higher flow rates.
2. Temperature: The flow rate of a fluid is also affected by its temperature. In general, as the temperature of a fluid increases, its viscosity decreases. This is because higher temperatures cause the molecules in a fluid to move more rapidly, reducing the internal frictional forces that impede flow. As a result, fluids at higher temperatures have lower viscosities and higher flow rates. Conversely, lower temperatures increase the viscosity of a fluid, leading to slower flow rates.