Viscometer – Ostwald Type is a standard glass laboratory instrument used for measuring the viscosity of liquids with known density. Also known as a U-tube viscometer or capillary viscometer, it is widely used in physics and chemistry laboratories for studying liquid flow through a fine capillary tube.

The apparatus is made from borosilicate glass and consists of a U-shaped tube with two bulbs connected through a narrow capillary tube. During the experiment, the liquid is allowed to flow between marked points, and the time of flow is measured to compare or calculate viscosity.

Its simple construction, clear glass body, and reliable capillary flow design make it suitable for schools, colleges, universities, and educational laboratories.

Experimental Objectives

To determine the coefficient of viscosity of a liquid using Ostwald viscometer.
To compare the viscosity of two liquids of known density.
To study the flow of liquid through a capillary tube
To understand the relationship between flow time, density, and viscosity.
To demonstrate capillary viscometry in laboratory experiments.