Why are gases more viscous at higher temps?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the viscosity of gases and how it relates to temperature, specifically questioning why gases exhibit increased viscosity at higher temperatures.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between kinetic energy and fluidity, questioning how increased kinetic energy affects particle movement and interactions.

Discussion Status

There are various interpretations being discussed regarding the effects of kinetic energy on gas viscosity. Some participants suggest that increased kinetic energy allows particles to move past each other more easily, while others introduce the idea that increased collisions may counteract this fluidity.

Contextual Notes

Participants are examining assumptions about the behavior of gas particles at different temperatures and how these assumptions influence their understanding of viscosity.

chiddler
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I'd expect that since they carry more kinetic energy, they are more fluid.

Thanks!
 
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Why does them carrying more kinetic energy suggest that they're more fluid?
 
Because they can move past each other more easily. Similar to a faster speed of a spacecraft being able to overcome gravitational pull.
 
The more kinetic energy gases get, they also increase the number of collisions between the particles. This increased number of collisions is the reason why gases are more viscous at higher temperatures, because their particles are not able to go very far without colliding.
 

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