The viscosity of alcohols depends on a number of factors:
- the strength of intermolecular forces
- the size of the molecule
- temperature
These factors can be investigated using alcohols and apparatus from the lists below - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 4 - 2016
Question 4
The viscosity of alcohols depends on a number of factors:
- the strength of intermolecular forces
- the size of the molecule
- temperature
These factors can be inv... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The viscosity of alcohols depends on a number of factors:
- the strength of intermolecular forces
- the size of the molecule
- temperature
These factors can be investigated using alcohols and apparatus from the lists below - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 4 - 2016
Step 1
Identify the alcohols to be used
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Answer
To investigate the viscosity of alcohols, I would select methanol and ethanol. Both of these alcohols provide a diverse comparison in terms of molecular size and intermolecular forces.
Step 2
Identify the apparatus to be used
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Answer
For this experiment, I would use:
Beakers: to hold the alcohol samples.
Thermometer: to measure and maintain the temperature of the alcohols during the experiment.
Ball bearing: to test the viscosity by measuring the time it takes for the ball bearing to sink in the different alcohols.
Step 3
Describe the experimental procedure
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Answer
Prepare equal volumes of methanol and ethanol in separate beakers.
Use the thermometer to ensure both solutions are at the same initial temperature before starting the experiment.
Drop a ball bearing into each beaker simultaneously and start a timer.
Measure the time taken for the ball bearing to sink to the bottom of the beaker in both alcohols.
Record the times and compare the viscosities based on the sinking times, relating the observations to the differences in intermolecular forces and molecular size.
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