Hello. I was just wondering, that say gasoline floats atop water so does that mean it is both less viscous AND lighter. I think gasoline is six pounds per gallon!
Does thicker(more viscous) always mean heavier?
- Thread starter mjoekingz28
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That's an interesting question with an interesting answer.
In the case of engine oils, all things being equal, 'thicker' usually equates to lighter (lower density) and more volatile (higher Noack).
For example a 5W30 will be lighter than a 5W20 and a 5W40 even lighter still. It's all to do with how the oil's base oil balance has to be adjusted to accommodate more VII polymer (which tends to have rubbish viscometrics).
In the case of engine oils, all things being equal, 'thicker' usually equates to lighter (lower density) and more volatile (higher Noack).
For example a 5W30 will be lighter than a 5W20 and a 5W40 even lighter still. It's all to do with how the oil's base oil balance has to be adjusted to accommodate more VII polymer (which tends to have rubbish viscometrics).
Whether or not it floats on water has to do with the density of a substance and not viscosity. They are two independent things.
Look at the PDS for your answer. They do list the density. However, you have to keep in mind oil is a mixture of many things.
Look at the PDS for your answer. They do list the density. However, you have to keep in mind oil is a mixture of many things.
You asked a question a while back in regards to coolant that was similar (viscosity vs. density). Maybe go back to that discussion and see what the answers were there?
Originally Posted By: FowVay
Lots of things at play here. Ice floats atop water too and it's made of the same old blend and definitely more viscous.
That's a great physics question to ask someone, why is solid water less dense than liquid?
Lots of things at play here. Ice floats atop water too and it's made of the same old blend and definitely more viscous.
That's a great physics question to ask someone, why is solid water less dense than liquid?
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: kschachn
Originally Posted By: FowVay
Lots of things at play here. Ice floats atop water too and it's made of the same old blend and definitely more viscous.
That's a great physics question to ask someone, why is solid water less dense than liquid?
Answer
And extremely important too. Despite ruining many a road surface, it also breaks down rock to form soil and causes lake turnovers which is beneficial. Not to mention keeping fish alive here in the north.
Originally Posted By: kschachn
Originally Posted By: FowVay
Lots of things at play here. Ice floats atop water too and it's made of the same old blend and definitely more viscous.
That's a great physics question to ask someone, why is solid water less dense than liquid?
Answer
And extremely important too. Despite ruining many a road surface, it also breaks down rock to form soil and causes lake turnovers which is beneficial. Not to mention keeping fish alive here in the north.
When people say for example, SAE30 or SAE40 as 30 weight or 40 weight (old style), yes, the heavier, more viscous the oil or fluid. But as physical mass considering, it depends on the density of the final oil blend. The more dense, more massive.
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