My Chem knowledge is very weak, but I’m gonna have a go at this
When there is higher temperatures, intermolecular bonds will likely begin to break, and as a result the atoms of the engine oil will be able to move more freely, and as a result, become more inclined to flow, reducing viscosity.
Chemistry on Christmas!
I sure like the sound of this!
I think theory is good
- however there are a couple little bits that I think can be improved.
Firstly, Its more appropriate to say 'intermolecular forces of attraction' or just 'intermolecular forces' (the latter is what the study design uses) instead of 'intermolecular bonds'. This is because these inter molecular forces of attraction are much weaker and much more readily broken then chemical bonds which are lasting attractions that hold atoms together to form molecules. Despite its name, hydrogen bonding is really an inter molecular force of attraction rather than a true chemical bond due to its relatively weak force of attraction.
Also, when referring to the decreasing viscosity of the engine oil, it would be better to say that the molecules of the engine oil will be able to more freely move, rather than saying the atoms will be able to more freely move. While the atoms will have a greater kinetic energy and will be vibrating to a greater extent, however the decrease in viscosity is more so due to the greater ability of the molecules of oil to move past each other.
Other than these (perhaps nit-picky) details, your response is really good!