Final answer:
Viscosity is the critical property that determines whether a gas exhibits laminar or turbulent flow. Laminar flow occurs at lower velocities and features smooth, orderly layers, while turbulence, characterized by chaotic eddies and swirls, arises at higher velocities due to reduced effectiveness of the viscosity to maintain order.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major property that determines whether the flow of a gas is laminar or turbulent is its viscosity. Viscosity can be thought of as the 'thickness' or the internal friction of the gas, which affects the ease at which it flows. In laminar flow, the layers of gas move smoothly, with each layer sliding past the adjacent ones without mixing. This usually occurs at lower velocities where the viscosity of the gas allows it to resist perturbations that might cause mixing. When the velocity of the gas increases, turbulence is more likely to occur; the flow becomes chaotic with eddies and swirls that result in mixing of the layers.
In various systems, understanding the viscosity and how it controls flow is crucial for design and efficiency. For example, in pipelines, low viscosity can indicate less resistance and therefore more efficient flow, while high viscosity can lead to turbulent flow, increasing the energy needed to move the gas. In engineering, predicting flow behavior is essential for equipment design, safety analysis, and system optimization.