Grade 8 · Science · Unit 4 of 13
Viscosity & Flow
Why some fluids flow fast and others creep
What your child practises
What viscosity is, how temperature and other factors change how fluids flow, and how to find a flow rate by dividing volume by time.
Ontario Curriculum expectation: C2.1, C2.8 · viscosity, volumetric flow rate and factors that affect the flow of fluids
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Two liquids are poured down the same ramp. Liquid A takes 12 s and liquid B takes 4 s. What can you conclude?
- Liquid B has the higher viscosity.
- Liquid A has the higher viscosity.
- Both have the same viscosity.
- Liquid A has the lower density.
Show answer
Liquid A has the higher viscosity.
Hint: The slower liquid resists flowing more, so it is more viscous.
Question 2
A pump moves 150 mL of water in 10 s. What is the flow rate in mL/s?
answer boxmL/s
Show answer
15 mL/s
Hint: Flow rate = volume ÷ time.
Question 3
Why do engineers choose a lubricating oil with the right viscosity for an engine?
- It must flow to every part and still coat moving surfaces.
- It must be a solid to protect the engine.
- Viscosity does not matter for oil.
- It should be as thin as air.
Show answer
It must flow to every part and still coat moving surfaces.
Hint: Oil that is too thick flows poorly, and oil that is too thin does not protect the parts.
Question 4
Why does paint get thinner and easier to spread when a little thinner is added?
- Its density becomes zero.
- It becomes a solid.
- Its viscosity decreases.
- Its viscosity increases.
Show answer
Its viscosity decreases.
Hint: Diluting a fluid makes it flow more easily.
Question 5
Which of these is a gas?
- oxygen
- syrup
- olive oil
- milk
Show answer
oxygen
Hint: Gases flow and spread out to fill their container.
Question 6
Which pipe lets the most water flow in the same time, if the pressure is the same?
- a wide pipe
- a pipe that is pinched shut
- a pipe full of gravel
- a narrow pipe
Show answer
a wide pipe
Hint: There is more room for fluid to move through a wider opening.