Now this may be a naive question, but as heat leaves the system, the molecules lose kinetic energy. They begin slowing and succumbing to intermolecular forces. As the molecules slow and move closer together, surely the internal friction between the molecules increases? Why is there no apparent change in the viscosity before it freezes?
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Very interesting question, I have never thought of this before. I would think so too.
Water should become more viscous as the intermolecular forces become stronger as the energy level of the molecules decreases.
In water, Dispersion forces are not the primary force, although they do exist.
Hydrogen bonds are the predominant intermolecular forces of attraction between water molecules.
I suppose the hydrogen bonds by themselves are relatively weak intermolecular forces but still significantly stronger than the dispersion forces such that any increase in their strength (as temperature decreases) is less likely to be noticeable given that the viscosity due to the hydrogen bonds can already be observed at room temperature.
This is in contrast to an extremely weak dispersion force becoming stronger; its effect would be more noticeable.
Water should become more viscous as the intermolecular forces become stronger as the energy level of the molecules decreases.
In water, Dispersion forces are not the primary force, although they do exist.
Hydrogen bonds are the predominant intermolecular forces of attraction between water molecules.
I suppose the hydrogen bonds by themselves are relatively weak intermolecular forces but still significantly stronger than the dispersion forces such that any increase in their strength (as temperature decreases) is less likely to be noticeable given that the viscosity due to the hydrogen bonds can already be observed at room temperature.
This is in contrast to an extremely weak dispersion force becoming stronger; its effect would be more noticeable.
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No problem! Glad to have helped you
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