Problem 16
Page 472
Section: Problems by Topic
Chapter 11: Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces
Given information
The viscosity of motor oil is important to the correct functioning of an engine. Multigrade motor oils contain polymers (long molecules made up of repeating structural units) that coil at low temperatures but unwind at high temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation
The viscosity of a substance is inversely related to the temperature of that substance.
If the temperature is increased, then viscosity will be decreased due to the free movement of molecules and strong internal friction. For multigrade motor oils, the temperature will exhibit less effect on viscosity.
Here, the role of additives is played by the polymers in multigrade motor oil therefore, the temperature has less effect on viscosity. The viscosity of motor oil is improved by combining the friction properties of thin oil at low temperature with excellent lubricating properties of greater viscous oil at high temperature.