How does water's viscosity compare to that of crude oil?

Water has a lower viscosity compared to crude oil due to its molecular structure and the types of intermolecular forces present. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow, and it is influenced by the interactions between molecules. Water consists of small, lightweight molecules that exhibit hydrogen bonding, which, despite being strong, allows for easier and faster movement compared to the larger, more complex hydrocarbon molecules found in crude oil.

Crude oil is composed of a variety of long-chain hydrocarbons, which creates a more tangled structure and significant intermolecular attractions, leading to higher resistance to flow. This results in a much thicker and more viscous liquid than water. Therefore, when comparing the two, water's lower viscosity allows it to flow more freely and with less resistance than crude oil.