Question

What is surface tension. Explain the effect of surface tension.

Answer 1

1. Surface tension: is the property of the liquid by virtue of which the free surface of liquid at rest tends to have minimum surface area and as such it behaves as if covered with a stretched membrane.

2. Effect of Surface tension:

• Surface tension of soap solution is less, it can spread over large areas and wash clothes more effectively, since the dirt particles stick to the soap molecules.

• In soldering, addition of flux reduces the surface tension of molten tin. Hence, it spreads.

• Antiseptics like dettol have low surface tension, so that they spread faster.

• Surface tension prevents water from passing through the pores of an umbrella.

• A duck is able to float on water as its feathers secrete oil that lowers the surface tension of water.