UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Resistance of Water versus Glycerin (Viscosity Tubes)

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 212

Resistance of Water versus Glycerin (Viscosity Tubes)

ID # 212

Description:

We have two vertical glass tubes. One tube is full of water, the other is full of glycerin. If we drop a steel ball in each tube at the same time, the ball in the water will hit the bottom first. The ball in the glycerin falls more slowly because this liquid is more viscous.

Picture of Resistance of Water versus Glycerin (Viscosity Tubes)

Physics Concept:

Solid and Fluid Mechanics
Dynamics of Fluids
Viscosity

The demonstration takes about 2 minutes to perform.