Question

Liquid drops acquire spherical shape due to:

• A. gravity
• B. surface tension
• C. viscosity
• D. intermolecular separation

Answer 1

The correct option is B surface tension

Liquids acquire a spherical shape due to the property of surface tension. In other words the liquid behaves as a stretched membrane so as to possess minimum surface area. Let us understand the phenomenon by looking at this analogy. Considering the surface of the liquid similar to that of an elastic membrane that is stretchable,the drop of liquid formed within the membrane is attached to the metal of the tap. This is similar to air being filled into a rubber balloon