Viscosity, Saturation, and SCIENCE

The Particle Model of Matter shows the reaction and interactions between particles throughout different substances and their arrangement in other conditions and environments. The Particle Model of Matter shows the following concepts- that particles tend to have more kinetic energy when thermal energy is applied. When thermal energy is used to matter, we see particles expand to form more space, whereas, in compression, particles contract when cooled down. How do the interactions between particles in the particle of matter affect viscosity? Numerous factors affect viscosity levels- from temperature to thermal energy to my presumed theory of saturation. Before we begin discussing the experiment, let's quickly discuss particles and how its influenced by thermal energy and its surrounding environmental factors- like thermal energy and temperature levels.

Solids are matter like ice- they have a fixed shape and will not shift their shape. Solids usually form with lower levels of thermal energy, like how water- with less heat- will freeze into an ice cube. They have a fixed volume, meaning their book (overall size and quantity) will not change if they were to melt. They are highly dense, as well. This is because of the little interaction between particles. There is very little space between the particles but few signs of vibration and movement. They are closely compacted, as we see in heat. The attraction forces of the particles are very closely packed. 

We can expect liquid or gas as we see less thermal energy. The transition from ice to water is seen when there is more thermal energy, separating particles and less attraction between them. The particles within liquids are slightly more kinetic, meaning they are somewhat faster. Unlike solids, however, liquids can shift their shape and take the form of their container, but unlike gases, their volume and overall quantity will remain the same. Particles in liquids can move over each other, but there is still a restriction on the attraction between them. From the transition of ice to water to water vapor, gases by far have the most kinetic energy. Like evaporation, a lot of thermal energy is required for the process. Gases can take the shape of their container while shifting their volume depending on the environment and pressure levels. The particles of gases are super hyper, constantly bounce around, and occupy more space than any other matter. Gases are mostly known for their ability to diffuse through osmosis and the exercise of gas and contraction- meaning they can easily mix with other substances. 

Friction, the resistance of movement during sliding or moving force between particles, causes higher viscosity. The attraction forces between the particles cause shear stress (shearing forces) especially if they are closely compacted together, and therefore, the higher the viscosity levels are. My theory of why friction happens is one of two reasons- the first reason being saturation. As we see an increase in the concentration of solutes, we see less space within the particles and more particles- like overpopulation. As they are collide and vibrate, this can cause friction and attraction between particles. When this occurs, this causes viscosity levels. The second theory I have is temperature and thermal energy. The less thermal energy there is, the closer compacted particles get- increasing viscosity levels with higher attraction and friction. These are the most significant factors that cause higher viscosity levels.

I am very inquisitive about my theory. Does saturation affect viscosity? How much of a change can we expect to see from the differences and shifts in thermal energy and heat? Today, we found out through this exclusive Calvin Industries lab experiment, where we got to try and experiment with different factors. 

• Thermal Energy

My hypothesis with thermal energy is that as we apply more thermal energy, viscosity levels will greatly change due to the separation and expansion of particles. We know viscosity is caused by the friction between the close attraction between the particles. When things are colder, the closer they are together- the more collisions they are. All particles, no matter what state it may be in, will always move slightly. Even in solids, particles are constantly vibrating- whereas compared to gas, particles are very hyper and speedy. When we apply thermal energy, we can expect expansion and fewer collisions and friction- resulting in a less viscous liquid. 

In terms of saturation, we can expect more viscosity as we add more solutes- and when we reach a closer point of meeting saturation levels within a solution. All particles take up space, including the most common solutes- salt, sugar, etc. When we are dissolving them within a particular substance, they will dissolve and though not seen by the human eye- take up space. The more the add, the less space there is available within, and the less contact there will be between our solvent and solutes- resulting in lower levels of solubility. When we add more solutes, we can expect the space between particles to decrease heavily, resulting in more collisions and friction as the particles are constantly actively vibrating, resulting in a highly viscous liquid.

• Dilution and Saturation

Dilution means to add more of a particular solvent, like water, in order to decrease the total amount of concentration of a solute. Concentration means the solute-solvent ratio. If there is 7 grams of salt in a 10mL beaker of water, and 5 grams in a 6 mL beaker of water, the second one has more salt concentration despite how the first one has more salt overall. This is because we are seeing how much salt is in a particular solvent itself. As diffusion occurs, these solutes will spread out throughout the solvent, and leave less of a trace within vicinity. As more solute is added, they will occupy more space unless we add more solvent to combat this. So, this begs the question- how does dilution and saturation affect viscosity? Saturation means to fill a solution to maximum solute capacity- when there are no more space for the solute particles to dissolve. So, how does a saturated solution compare to a super-saturated solution and a not-saturated solution, like a pure substance? Viscosity factors are impacted by friction, and attraction forces. As we have a saturated solution, there are more particles, resulting in higher attraction and closer contract between which. As particles are always moving, this causes friction- the resistance to movement. The same applies to dilution. With dilution, the more solvent we add, the more the solute spread out, and the less attraction there is between the particles. So, what can we conclude for our hypothesis?

• The more we dilute a substance, the less viscous the substance becomes due to less attraction + particle friction.

• The less saturated a substance is, the less viscous the substance becomes due to less attraction + particle friction.

View all data on Kevin's science worksheet.

1. Pre Lab Phase

• Plan out the lab. What is needed to be done? What is the 3 different variables of the experiment? What materials are required? What is the responding variable, and what are we trying to figure out with the end goal of the experiment? What are we trying to identify? How will we identify the end goal? How does it relate to the concepts which we are covering in class, and will it give us data that will allow us to better understand the concepts relating to our unit? For this experiment, we are trying to find out how saturation and thermal energy affects viscosity, and how it relates to solubility. We can take into account what has already been discussed about in class about the particle model of matter, outlining how particles expand with thermal energy and how viscosity is caused by friction between the attraction of molecules.

• Hypothesis. What will happen in the lab? Using pre-existing information that we already know, and information which has been directed- what do we already know about the concepts that we are researching and collecting data on? For viscosity, I already know that it is caused by friction- the close attraction between particles. Therefore, I can assume that as thermal energy increases, we can expect less friction- and results in less viscosity.

• Variables. Variables are important in understanding how to make an accurate and well-represented lab experiment. Responding variable is the variable we are trying to identify. In this lab, we are trying to identify how thermal energy and saturation affect viscosity levels. Controlled variable. The variable that remains the same throughout the experiment. The variable that remains the same is the amount of solution, and the amount of heat applied. To ensure an accurate lab, we are ensuring that the amount of solution remains at 25mL and the heat is determined by the hot plate. The manipulative variable is the variable we are changing. We are changing the solvent throughout each experiment

2. Experiment Phase