Identify which fluid property in the S.I. system uses N·s/m^2 (Pa·s) as its unit.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Dynamic viscosity

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Viscosity quantifies a fluid’s resistance to deformation. Two related but distinct properties appear in problems: dynamic viscosity (mu) and kinematic viscosity (nu). Distinguishing their units avoids errors in Reynolds number, head-loss predictions, and pump sizing calculations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Dynamic viscosity mu relates shear stress to velocity gradient in Newtonian fluids: tau = mu * du/dy.
  • Kinematic viscosity nu = mu / rho.
  • Density rho is kg/m^3; specific weight gamma is N/m^3.


Concept / Approach:
From tau = mu * (du/dy), shear stress tau has units N/m^2 and du/dy has units 1/s. Therefore mu must have units (N/m^2) / (1/s) = N·s/m^2. The same unit is called pascal-second (Pa·s). Kinematic viscosity is a ratio of mu to rho and carries m^2/s, not N·s/m^2.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Write Newton’s law of viscosity: tau = mu * (du/dy).Rearrange units: mu = tau / (du/dy) → (N/m^2) / (1/s) = N·s/m^2 = Pa·s.Contrast with kinematic viscosity: nu = mu/rho → units m^2/s.


Verification / Alternative check:

Water at 20°C: mu ≈ 1.0 × 10^-3 Pa·s; nu ≈ 1.0 × 10^-6 m^2/s, confirming distinct magnitudes and units.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Kinematic viscosity: m^2/s.Mass density: kg/m^3.Specific weight: N/m^3.Surface tension: N/m.


Common Pitfalls:

Interchanging nu and mu; using Pa·s where m^2/s is required in Reynolds number.Dropping the “·s” in Pa·s, which changes the quantity entirely.


Final Answer:

Dynamic viscosity

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