All Textbook Topics - Forces and Motion - Friction, Lubrication and Viscosity - Viscosity is an expression of how much internal friction there is in a fluid

Viscosity is an expression of how much internal friction there is in a fluid

A liquid with higher viscosity has a higher level of internal friction, so exerts a higher resistive force on objects moving through it.

A liquid with lower viscosity has a lower level of internal friction, so exerts a lower resistive force on objects moving through it.

Water has a relatively low level of internal friction, and so viscosity, compared to honey or custard, both of which have a higher level of internal friction and hence a higher viscosity.

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Lubricants reduce friction
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Fluids which are highly viscous make it more difficult for objects to move through them as they apply more friction

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