Surface Tension
Definition
Surface tension refers to the cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist external forces.
Analogy
Picture surface tension as if it were a trampoline. The water molecules on the surface act like tightly woven fabric on a trampoline, resisting any force trying to break through it, just as kids jumping on it bounce back up instead of falling through.
Related terms
Cohesion: As mentioned before, this is an attractive force between similar kinds of molecules – in this case, water molecules sticking together create surface tension.
Meniscus: This is the curve seen at the top of a liquid in response to its container. The meniscus forms due to both adhesive and cohesive forces working together.
Hydrophobic Effect: This describes how non-polar substances tend to clump together when placed in water due to high surface tension.
"Surface Tension" appears in:
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