Question

The surface tension of which of the following liquid is maximum:

• A. ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}$
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$
• C. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$
• D. ${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{6_{}}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Explanation for the correct option:
(C) ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

• Surface tension of a liquid is the force by which surface molecules are attracted toward the bulk molecules.
• The water molecules have the maximum Hydrogen bonding due to their polar property in which the Oxygen has the negative end and the Hydrogen has the positive end.
• It makes the water molecules to be bonded together and remain attracted to the bulk water molecules.
• Thus, providing it with the maximum surface tension among the given options.

So, option [C] is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

(A) ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}$

• It has less Hydrogen bonding than${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$.
• So, it is not attracted much to the bulk medium of[${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}$] concerning water.
• Thus, it does not have the maximum surface tension among the given options.

(B) ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$

• It has less Hydrogen bonding than${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$.
• So, it is not attracted much to the bulk medium of[${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$] concerning water.
• Thus, it does not have the maximum surface tension among the given options.

(D)${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{6_{}}$

• It does not have Hydrogen bonding as ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$.
• So, it is not attracted much to the bulk medium of[${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_{6_{}}$]concerning water.
• Thus, it does not have the maximum surface tension among the given options.

Hence, Option[C] ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ has the maximum surface tension among the given options.