Oil as a Lubricant: Why?

[justadream]

Oil Density and Lubricant Properties

What properties make something a good lubricant? For example, oil is less dense but more viscous than is water. Oil is obviously a better lubricant.



So what are the factors that influence this?

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[NextStepTutor_2]

Typically viscosity correlates with a lubricant's ability to minimize friction. The goal of a lubricant is to keep moving surfaces from contacting each other. There is an ideal range in viscosity though. Not viscous enough and the moving surfaces contact each other and you get friction. Too viscous and you raise the amount of energy needed for motion. The ideal lubricant will have just enough viscosity to keep surfaces apart.