
Determination of viscosity of liquid using Ostwald’s viscometer
BP407P Physical Pharmaceutics II Practical
Aim:
To determine the viscosity of the unknown liquid by using Ostwald’s viscometer
REQUIREMENTS:
Ostwald’s viscometer
Stop clock
Specific gravity bottle
Sample
Distilled water
PRINCIPLE:
The force of friction with one part of a liquid offering to another part of the liquid is called viscosity. For measuring the viscosity coefficient Ostwald’s viscometer method is used which is based on poiseuilles’s law. According to this law, the rate of flow of liquid through a capillary tube having viscosity coefficient (n)
Where,
V= volume of liquid (ml)
T= flow of time in seconds through capillary (in second) R= radius of the capillary (cm)
ɳ= viscosity coefficient (poise)
p= hydrostatic pressure
Since the hydrostatic pressure (driving force) of the liquid is given by
ɳ= dgh
Where,
h= height of the column d= density of the liquid
PROCEDURE:
Wash the relative density bottle with distilled water and dry.
Take the weight of the empty bottle and filled the given liquid
Clean and rinse the viscometer properly with distilled water
Fix the viscometer vertically in the stand and filled the specific amount of given unknown liquid in the viscometer
Time of flow recorded when the liquid starts to flow from the marks C and D above and below the bulb a. the experiment was repeated 3-4 times to get the viscosity of the given unknown liquid.

For more details about Viscometer: Click here
Physical Pharmaceutics II Practical
- Determination of particle size, and particle size distribution using the sieving method
- Determination of particle size, and particle size distribution using the Microscopic method
- Determination of bulk density, true density and porosity
- Determine the angle of repose and the influence of lubricant on the angle of repose
- Determination of viscosity of liquid using Ostwald’s viscometer
- Determination of sedimentation volume with the effect of different suspending agent
- Determination of sedimentation volume with the effect of different concentrations of single suspending agent
- Determination of viscosity of semisolid by using Brookfield viscometer
- Determination of reaction rate constant first order.
- Determination of reaction rate constant second order
- Accelerated stability studies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An Ostwald viscometer is a glass capillary viscometer designed to measure the viscosity of a fluid by determining the time it takes for the fluid to flow through a narrow tube under the influence of gravity.
The Ostwald viscometer relies on the principle of viscous flow. A known volume of the liquid to be tested is drawn into the capillary tube, and the time it takes for the liquid to flow a specific distance is measured. The viscosity is then calculated using the known dimensions of the capillary tube and the time of flow.
An Ostwald viscometer typically consists of a U-shaped glass capillary tube, a reservoir bulb at one end to hold the liquid, and timing marks to measure the flow time.
The U-shaped tube allows for a more accurate measurement of viscosity because it minimizes the effect of the meniscus, which can affect the flow in a straight capillary tube.
The viscosity (η) of the liquid is calculated using the formula: η = K * ρ * t, where K is a constant specific to the instrument, ρ is the density of the liquid, and t is the flow time.
Ostwald viscometers are relatively simple to use and provide a quick method for measuring the viscosity of liquids. They are especially useful for Newtonian fluids, where viscosity is constant regardless of shear rate.
Ostwald viscometers are suitable for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian fluids, which have a constant viscosity regardless of shear rate. Non-Newtonian fluids may require specialized viscometers.
Temperature can significantly impact viscosity. Ostwald viscometers may include temperature control features to ensure accurate measurements at a consistent temperature.
Ostwald viscometers may not be suitable for non-Newtonian fluids or fluids with high viscosity. Additionally, errors can arise from factors like meniscus effects and variations in gravitational force.
Calibration is typically performed using reference fluids with known viscosities. By measuring the flow times of these fluids and comparing them to their known viscosities, the instrument’s constant (K) can be determined.
Ostwald viscometers are used in various fields, including chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, where precise viscosity measurements are essential for quality control and process optimization.
Ostwald viscometers are specifically designed for liquid samples. Opaque or non-liquid samples may require alternative viscometer designs or measurement techniques.
The accuracy of viscosity measurements with an Ostwald viscometer depends on factors like instrument quality, proper calibration, and adherence to operating procedures. For high-precision applications, advanced viscometers may be preferred.
Yes, there are variations of Ostwald viscometers, including modified designs for specific applications. The Cannon-Fenske routine viscometer is one such example often used in laboratories.
Yes, an Ostwald viscometer can measure dynamic viscosity, which is the ratio of shear stress to shear rate in a fluid. The dynamic viscosity can be calculated using the formula η = K * ρ * t, as mentioned earlier.
Ostwald viscometers provide a straightforward and practical method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian fluids. While they have limitations, they remain a valuable tool for various industries that require quick and reliable viscosity measurements.
Second Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise
Suggested readings
Recommended readings
- Pharmaceutics I Theory
- Definition and Scope Social Pharmacy
- Role of individual in conservation of natural resources
- Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies
- Structure and function of ecosystem
- Research methodology mcq
- Limit test for heavy metals
- Ostwald viscometer
- Throat paint
- Limit test for arsenic