2006-08-22 03:57:29 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The attractive force exerted upon the surface molecules of a liquid by the molecules beneath that tends to draw the surface molecules into the bulk of the liquid and makes the liquid assume the shape having the least surface area
2006-08-22 04:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by Doogie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surface tension is the static electricity from friction and heat that attracts particles to each other. The friction can make the particles vibrate and warm up and get more charged up, like a balloon that sticks to the wall after you rub it on the top of your head, which has fuzzy hair and is warm. Particles rub next to each other and can therefore vibrate from friction. Another type of surface tension is like a boat on top of water or a piece of moist kleenex stuck to a kitchen counter. That type of surface tension is caused by the mere fact that the water can stay on the kitchen counter in the first place due to gravity.
2006-08-22 04:15:34 · answer #2 · answered by BrightGuy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water molecules have a slight tendency to cling together. It's not very strong, but it's there. The surface of a pond will behave as if it has a skin on top of it, you will see insects walking across that skin from time to time. Water forms droplets and beads because of surface tension.
Other fluids have surface tension also, but water is the one most people will think of.
2006-08-22 04:13:15 · answer #3 · answered by KALEL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surface tension is when liquid creates a bubble at the top. The liquid is sticking together. It's hard for me to explain, but you'll know it when you see it. I have included a link. Maybe this will explain it better.
2006-08-22 04:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Terra T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's caused by the attraction between the positive hydrogen atoms of one polar water molecule and the negative oxygen atom of another adjacent water molecule. Called a hydrogen bond.
Surface tension is very important for raising melting and boiling points, capillary action, etc.
2006-08-22 04:18:18 · answer #5 · answered by yadayada 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
water molecules are not the perfect neutral charge that h2o should be they are slightly neg or pos making them ions and since the different polar qualities attract they cling together giving them some form of cohesion so unless a some outside force effects them past the breaking point they will retain shape that is why you can fill a glass of water to the brim
2006-08-22 06:29:48 · answer #6 · answered by Its another girl! Abigail Nicole 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think of water striders which are bugs that can walk on water or
think of diving in a pool - if you enter the surface with less area you don't splash. A belly flop always splashed big all fue to the composition of water. H20.
2006-08-22 05:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by SweetNurse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋