Chapter 13.2, Problem 19SSC

To determine

A procedure that must be followed for making the paperclip stay on the surface of water.

Answer to Problem 19SSC

The paper clip could stay on the surface of the water due to the presence of skins of the tissue paper that also held the water molecules tight enough to hold the pin.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The tension of the film at the surface of a liquid that occurs by the force of attraction among particles present in the layer at the surface by the bulk of the liquid, which tries to minimize the surface area, is known as surface tension.

Procedure for making the paperclip stay on the surface of water is given below:

1. Take a glass or bowl of water.
2. Take one tissue paper and drop the tissue flat on the surface of the water.
3. Now, take a dry paper clip and put it on the tissue without it or the water with hands.
4. Take one pencil and poke the tissue carefully with its eraser end until the tissue has sunk.
5. Eventually, tissue will sink and leave the paper clip on the surface of the water.

  

The phenomenon would occur due to surface tension. The skin present on the surface of water where the water molecules would be held on tight holds the paper clip.

Conclusion:

The paper clip could stay on the surface of the water due to the presence of skins of the tissue paper that also held the water molecules tight enough to hold the pin.