Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Michael Dawson on 15/05/2010 19:30:03

Title: How viscous must a liquid be to classed as a solid?
Post by: Michael Dawson on 15/05/2010 19:30:03

Michael Dawson  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,

I was taught at school that matter has three states, gas, liquid and solid.  However someone said that window glass was the ultimate viscous liquid. 

Whether this is true  I don't know.  But my question is how viscous has a liquid to be before it is classified as a solid?

Mike

What do you think?

Title: How viscous must a liquid be to classed as a solid?
Post by: sithcdw on 19/05/2010 04:24:42

Viscosity is a fluids resistance to flow. Therefore, if the substance does not "flow", it should be classified as a solid.

Title: How viscous must a liquid be to classed as a solid?
Post by: sithcdw on 19/05/2010 04:27:23

Now the reason that glass is sometimes called a liquid is because the molecules within it have not crystallized.