How do molecular weight and viscosity relate in liquid commercial products?

How do molecular weight and viscosity relate in liquid commercial products?

• A. Higher molecular weight generally results in lower viscosity
• B. Higher molecular weight generally results in higher viscosity
• C. Molecular weight has no effect on viscosity
• D. Viscosity only depends on temperature

Answer: (B)

Higher molecular weight generally results in higher viscosity because larger molecules tend to be more complex and have greater interaction with one another, which increases the resistance to flow in a liquid. The structure of these larger molecules can lead to entanglements and friction, which contribute to the liquid's thickness or viscosity. In many commercial products, such as polymers and certain oils, when molecular weight increases, the chains of these molecules become longer and more entangled, which enhances the viscosity of the substance. This relationship is fundamental to understanding the behavior of liquids in industrial applications, particularly when formulating products where flow characteristics are essential. In contrast, lower molecular weight substances have shorter and less complex molecular chains, often resulting in lower viscosities due to reduced intermolecular interactions. This principle is vital when designing products for specific applications, where achieving the desired viscosity is crucial for performance.

Higher molecular weight generally results in higher viscosity because larger molecules tend to be more complex and have greater interaction with one another, which increases the resistance to flow in a liquid. The structure of these larger molecules can lead to entanglements and friction, which contribute to the liquid's thickness or viscosity.

In many commercial products, such as polymers and certain oils, when molecular weight increases, the chains of these molecules become longer and more entangled, which enhances the viscosity of the substance. This relationship is fundamental to understanding the behavior of liquids in industrial applications, particularly when formulating products where flow characteristics are essential.

In contrast, lower molecular weight substances have shorter and less complex molecular chains, often resulting in lower viscosities due to reduced intermolecular interactions. This principle is vital when designing products for specific applications, where achieving the desired viscosity is crucial for performance.