Why does distilled water have greater surface tension than corn oil?

Answer 1

Water molecules are attracted to eachother because they are polar. In the middle of the water column, the force of attraction drawing on one molecule is essentially equal in all directions, so the forces are cancelled out, there is no net force, and thus no accelleration of the particle.

However, at the surface of the water, the molecules are attracted downward to the molecules below, without an opposing upward attraction. For this reason the surface of water assumes a minimal surface area, just like a taut rubber sheet. This is what is commonly referred to as "surface tension".

Corn oil is a hydrocarbon based molecule which, unlike water, has very little bonding force between molecules. Therefore the force drawing it into a minimal surface area is much less. Oil will spread out on surfaces on which water beads up (i.e., forms spheres - a shape with a minimal surface area to volume ratio!).

... I hope that helps.

Answer 2

Water is polar, therefore greater attraction between water molecules, try to stay together which create greater tension. Oil is non-polar.

Answer 3

lmfaoo ofcourse i got to yahoo answers and type this question and your also asking :) lmao i love you anna<3 and umm i just know that on water the needle floats forsure and in mineral oil it doesnt. idk about the alcohol. and wasnt -OH the one where the coloring stayed on the top? water diffuses faster smarty :)