Why does temperature affect the viscosity of cookig oil?

Question

Why does temperature affect the viscosity of cookig oil?

Answer 1

Most fluids, but not all, flow faster at higher temperatures, and this is

because the viscosity decreases with increasing temperature, just as you

thought. (Viscosity also changes if chemicals are dissolved in the fluid.)

The viscosity of a fluid is caused by electrical attraction among

molecules. This makes it harder for the molecules to move apart. When the

temperature increases, molecules jiggle and move about more vigorously,

which tends to break the temporary bonds that form among molecules. Water

molecules form very strong hydrogen bonds and this is why water has a

relatively high viscosity. Many kinds of oil have even higher viscosities.

This may result in part from an even stronger tendency for the molecules

to bond together. Also, fluids made of larger molecules tend to be more

viscous, and oil molecules are pretty large. Some fluids, including some

motor oils, get MORE viscous at higher temperature. This is obviously

because of some kind of electrochemical interaction among the molecules in

the fluid, but I don't know exactly what happens. I suggest you contact an

oil company and ask that question. I hope this helps.