Final answer:
Internal friction is influenced by the shape, size, energy level, and attractive forces between particles. More irregular shapes and larger sizes generally increase friction, while higher temperatures decrease it. Strong attractive forces also increase internal friction, thereby resisting flow and motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Internal friction, also known as viscosity, is the resistance to flow within a substance. It arises due to the interactions between the particles that make up a material. Factors such as the shape, size, energy level, and attractive forces play crucial roles in determining the amount of internal friction exhibited by a substance.
Firstly, the shape of the particles affects how easily they can slide past one another. Irregularly shaped particles tend to interlock or create more resistance, while spherical particles can move more freely, leading to less internal friction.
The size of the particles also influences internal friction. Larger particles have greater surface areas that can interact with each other, potentially increasing friction. Conversely, smaller particles may lead to reduced friction due to lesser contact areas.
Energy levels, typically influenced by temperature, affect particle motion. At higher energy levels or temperatures, particles move more vigorously and can overcome internal friction more easily, leading to a decrease in viscosity. In colder conditions, with lower energy levels, particles move less and experience increased internal friction.
Attractive forces between particles, such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding, also affect internal friction. Stronger attractive forces make it harder for particles to slide past each other, increasing resistance to flow and thus internal friction. Conversely, weaker attractive forces reduce this resistance, allowing for easier movement.
Understanding the microscopic characteristics of internal friction can lead to the development of materials and systems that minimize energy loss due to friction, ultimately saving energy and costs associated with it.