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Sweetened Water Viscosity

Sweetened Water Viscosity

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This page contains full project details. For the summary, please see the Project Summary.

Science Fair Project Description

This science fair project was conducted to determine how viscosity of water increases when sugar is added. The tests were done by adding and mixing 20grams, 40grams, 60grams, 80grams and 100grams of sugar to a cup of water.
Complexity level:7
Project cost ($):40
Time required:1 hour to prepare, 2 hour for observation
Material availability:You will need access to a drill and other basic tools
Safety concerns:Be extremely careful when handling tools, especially power tools. The assistance of an adult is required for this.

Hypothesis

The viscosity of water will increase when more sugar is added to the water.
 

Overview

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to any deformations that is caused by shear stress and tensile stress is known as viscosity. It also refers to the thickness of a fluid substance . A fluid with a lower viscosity is referred to as thin fluid and a fluid with a high viscosity is called a thick fluid. Viscosity can also be considered as the internal resistance that a fluid must overcome before it can flow. Fluidity is the lack of fluid resistance and the opposite of viscosity.
Viscosity in a fluid is caused by the friction between the molecules in the substance. Gasses and fluids consist of adjacent layers of molecules. When an external force or pressure acts upon the fluid, the friction between the adjacent layers of the substance will determine the deformation and flow response of the fluid.

A fluid’s viscosity is dependant on the temperature of the substance. Increasing the temperature will reduce the viscosity of the fluid and cause it to become thinner. Butter for example, is hard when kept in the refrigerator. It becomes soft at room temperature and melts to a watery consistency when heated. Cooking oil also thickens when it is kept in a refrigerator.

 

Scientific Terms

Viscosity, tensile stress, shear stress, friction, fluidity

Materials

The materials required for this science fair project:

-    1 metal cup (>200ml)
-    An electric drill with a small drill bit
-    1000ml distilled water
-    300 grams of sugar
-    A measurement cylinder
-    A digital weighing scale
-    5 beakers
-    A stopwatch
-    A spatula
-    A black marker pen

Procedure

1.    For this science fair project, the independent variable is the amount of sugar added to the water i.e. 20g, 40g, 60g, 80g and 100g. The dependent variable is the viscosity of the solution. This is determined by using a stopwatch to measure the rate of flow of the solution. The constants (control variables) are the size of the hole in the cup and the volume of the cup.

2.    Using an electric drill, a small hole is created at the bottom of the metal cup.

3.    The beakers are labeled “20g”, “40g”, “60g”, “80g” and “100g”. Using the measuring cylinder, 200ml of distilled water is poured into each of the 5 beakers.

4.    The digital weighing scale is used to measure 20g, 40g, 60g, 80g and 100g batches of sugar and they are added into the beakers according to their markings. The spatula is used to mix the solution.

5.    The metal cup is held up and the hole at the bottom of the metal cup is covered with 1 finger. The contents of the beaker marked “20g” is poured into the metal cup. The finger is removed from the hole and the stopwatch is immediately activated. The time taken for the cup to empty is measured and the results recorded in the table below.

6.    Procedure 5 is repeated with the beakers labeled “40g”, “60g”, “80g” and “100g”.
 

b1.jpg

Results

It is observed that as the concentration of sugar in the water increases, the viscosity of the solution and the time taken for it to flow out of the cup also increases.
 

Amount of sugar (grams) 20 40 60 80 100
Drip time (seconds) 27 31 35 39 43

Use the below graph to plot the results of our science project.
 

Viscosity Science Fair Project

Conclusion

The hypothesis that the viscosity of water will increase when more sugar is added and mixed in water is correct.

The study of fluid dynamics and viscosity is very important when fluids like oil, gas or water is being transported over long distances through pipe lines. The changing weather, climate and temperature can alter the viscosity and flow rate of fluisd. Thus, sensors and pumps must  be placed in these pipes to ensure that a constant flow rate is maintained.

Also consider

Try to repeat this science fair project by adding other substances like salt or milk powder.

The experiment can also be repeated using a different sized hole in the metal cup.

References

Viscosity - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscosity

Specific gravity and viscosity of liquids - http://www.csgnetwork.com/sgvisc.html

What is viscosity? - http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-viscosity.htm

Related videos

Hey there! Here are some awesome videos about this science project that we think you'll really like. They're not only super fun, but they'll also help you learn more about the science behind the project. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have some fun!!
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