In: Chemistry
Put the following liquids in order of increasing viscosity (smallest to largest).
-1.2.3.4.
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3
-1.2.3.4.
HOCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2OH
-1.2.3.4.
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH
-1.2.3.4.
CH3CH2CH2CH3
The order of increasing viscosity (smallest to largest) is
(1) Viscosity is directly proportional to intermolecular forces. Larger the intermolecular forces between molecules of the liquid, greater the resistance to flow and higher will be the viscocity. When -OH groups are present, intermolecular hydrogen bonding is possible. This makes forces stronger. Higher is the number of -OH groups in a molecule, higher is the strength of intermolecular forces.
(2) Viscosity is directly proportional to molecular mass. The flow of molecules is inversely proportional to its mass, hence, liquids with high molecular mass possess greater visocity. More is the number of C atoms in hydrocarbon, more is the molecular mass.