Concept explainers
Interpretation:
The surface energy required to change a spherical drop of water of
Concept Introduction:
A molecule inside liquid feels attraction from all directions uniformly, but surface molecules only feel force from inward direction. So, surface molecules of a liquid feel a net inward force and therefore tend to minimize their surface area to minimize the number of molecules on the liquid surface. This inward force is surface tension.
Higher the attractive force on molecules, higher will be the surface tension of liquid. The surface tension of a liquid holds the liquid droplet in spherical shape because a sphere has the lowest surface area. For a spherical drop, high surface tension in necessity.
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