CHEM 355 Experiment 7 Viscosity of Gases: Estimation of Molecular Diameter

CHEM 355
EXPERIMENT 7
Viscosity of gases: Estimation of molecular diameter
Expressed most simply, the viscosity of a fluid (liquid or gas) relates to its resistance to flow. The viscosity
of a gas is determined in particular by the rate of transfer of the flow momentum from faster moving layers
(laminas) to slower ones. The so-called transpiration methods provide a convenient way of measuring
gas viscosities. In the approach used here, the flow rate of the gas (which is inversely proportional to its
viscosity) is recorded by monitoring the evacuation of a vessel through a capillary tube under a constant
pressure differential.
Figure 1. Experimental set up
The rate of gas flow along the tube can be calculated using Poiseuille’s equation.
(1)
where is volume rate of flow
P1, P2 are pressure at the high and low pressure ends of the capillary
r is radius of the capillary tube
is length of the capillary tube
P is pressure at which the volume is measured (here P1)
From the constant pressure differential used in this experiment and the known dimensions of the
capillary, the evacuation rate data measured can be used to calculate absolute values of the gas
viscosities.
4
Note: Due to the r term in (Eqn.1) minor irregularities in the radius of the capillary can have a significant
effect on the viscosity values determined. It is therefore better to calibrate the dimensions of the capillary
by measuring the volume flow rate for a reference gas of known viscosity.
In terms of the kinetic theory of gases, these values can be further interpreted on a molecular level. The
gas kinetic expression for the viscosity  of a gas undergoing laminar flow is the following:
(2)
Where;
m= mass of a molecule
 = mean free path
c= mean molecular speed
= number of molecules per unit volume (number density)= N/V
The mean free path for an ensemble of molecules having a Maxwell distribution of molecular velocities is;
(3)
Where;
= number of molecules per unit volume (number density)
d = hard sphere collision diameter
Substituting (3) into (2) the following is obtained;
(4)
Mean molecular speed is;
(5)
Substituting (5) into (4) and rearranging leads to;

(6)
Purpose: The aim of this experiment is to measure the viscosities of the various gases. The kinetic
theory of gases is used to determine molecular diameter of the gases used in this experiment.
Apparatus and Chemicals:
Gas syringe (100 ml, with 3-way cock)

Capillary tube (glass, di = 0.15 mm, l = 100 mm)
Security bottle with manometer
Water jet pump
Stop watch
Weather monitor, LCD
Vernier caliper
Fine control valve
Compressed gases (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and helium)
Procedure:
1. Set up the experiment as shown in Fig. 1, but first ensure that the syringe plunger stop is
positioned to prevent the plunger from being fully removed from the barrel.
2. Disconnect the syringe from the flow line, turn the 3-way stopcock to connect the gas bottle to
the syringe and fill the syringe with nitrogen gas (about 50 mL). Turn the stopcock to connect
the syringe to the exit tube and lightly press the plunger to expel nitrogen. Turn the stopcock
to reconnect the syringe to the gas bottle. Rinse the syringe in this manner three times, then
leave it filled and connected to the gas line.
3. Switch on the pump and evacuate the flow line up to the stopcock by pumping for ten
minutes.
4. Once the flow line is evacuated and while the pump is still on, turn the stopcock to connect
the syringe to the flow line. Start the stopwatch when the syringe volume has reached 50 ml
and stop it as soon as the syringe is empty. Record the elapsed time for evacuation of the
syringe. Record also the ambient laboratory temperature and atmospheric pressure.
5. Repeat the measurement twice. Carry out the same rinsing and measuring procedure for the
gases carbon dioxide, helium, and argon.
Treatment of Data:
1. From the constant pressure differential used in this experiment and the known dimensions of the
capillary, the evacuation rate data measured can be used to calculate absolute values of the gas
viscosities. Calculate  for different nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and helium using Poiseuille’s
equation (Eq. 1).
2. Calculate collision diameter of each gas using equation 6.
Questions:
1. Compare the theoretical and experimental values and discuss the possible source of errors.
2. Discuss the temperature and pressure effect on viscosity of gases.
3. Explain the reason why evacuation time of Ar is higher than the other gases.
DATA SHEET
Experiment 7. Viscosity of gases: Estimation of molecular diameter
Group Number: Date:

Student name:
Assistant name and signature:
Table 1.
Gas Evacuation time/s Temperature/ C

N2
CO2
Ar
He
Evacuation volume: 50 mL
P1=
P2=
Capillary radius, r = 0.075 mm
Capillary lenght, = 98 mm

CHEM 355 Experiment 7 Viscosity of Gases: Estimation of Molecular Diameter

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CHEM 355

Viscosity of gases: Estimation of molecular diameter

Figure 1. Experimental set up

where is volume rate of flow

Substituting (3) into (2) the following is obtained;

Mean molecular speed is;

Substituting (5) into (4) and rearranging leads to;

Apparatus and Chemicals:

Gas syringe (100 ml, with 3-way cock)

2. Calculate collision diameter of each gas using equation 6.

2. Discuss the temperature and pressure effect on viscosity of gases.

Experiment 7. Viscosity of gases: Estimation of molecular diameter

Group Number: Date:

Gas Evacuation time/s Temperature/ C

Capillary radius, r = 0.075 mm

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