In a certain type of nuclear reactor, liquid sodium metal is employed as a circulating c...

In a certain type of nuclear reactor, liquid sodium metal is employed as a circulating coolant in a closed system, protected from contact with air or water. Much like the coolant that circulates in an automobile engine, the liquid sodium carries heat from the hot reactor core to heat exchangers. (a) What properties of the liquid sodium are of special importance in this application? (b) The viscosity of liquid sodium varies with temperature as follows:

What forces within the liquid sodium are likely to be the major contributors to the viscosity? Why does viscosity decrease with increasing temperature?