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Water Mobility

What is Water Mobility?

Water mobility is defined as the ability of water molecules to move spatially. The mobility of water, or any fluid for that matter, is dependent upon viscosity. The speed at which water is displaced may differ according to the components that are added to the water. Introduction of solutes may increase the viscosity of water resulting in a decrease in mobility. In short, the more viscous water becomes the less mobile it is.

The nature and amount of solutes introduced to water may also affect its mobility. Higher concentrations will result in increased viscosity. Hydrophobic solutes may also result in the impeding of water mobility as well as a change in texture. Hydrocolloidal ingredients in molecular gastronomy such as gelling agents and thickeners all affect the mobility of water and other fluids.