Surface Tension
Surface tension is a property of liquids that arises from the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface of the liquid. It is the tendency of liquid surfaces to shrink into the minimum surface area possible.
Cohesive Forces
The cohesive forces between liquid molecules are responsible for surface tension. These forces arise from the attractive interactions between molecules. In a bulk liquid, molecules are surrounded by other molecules in all directions, leading to balanced forces. However, at the surface, molecules are only surrounded by other molecules on one side, leading to a net inward force, which is the source of surface tension.
Effect of Surface Tension
Surface tension gives rise to a number of interesting phenomena, such as the formation of droplets, the ability of certain insects to walk on water, and the capillary action in plants and porous materials.
Measurement of Surface Tension
Surface tension is typically measured in units of force per unit length, such as newtons per meter (N/m) or dynes per centimeter (dyn/cm).
Study Guide
- Understand the concept of cohesive forces and how they lead to surface tension.
- Learn about the various phenomena that are a result of surface tension, and be able to explain them.
- Practice problems involving the measurement and calculation of surface tension using appropriate units.
- Explore real-world applications of surface tension in fields such as biology, chemistry, and engineering.
Surface tension is an important concept in physics and has wide-ranging applications in various scientific disciplines. Understanding its principles and applications can provide valuable insights into the behavior of liquids and the natural world.
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