surface tension (Meaning)
surface tension (n)
a phenomenon at the surface of a liquid caused by intermolecular forces
surface tension ()
That property, due to molecular forces, which exists in the surface film of all liquids and tends to bring the contained volume into a form having the least superficial area. The thickness of this film, amounting to less than a thousandth of a millimeter, is considered to equal the radius of the sphere of molecular action, that is, the greatest distance at which there is cohesion between two particles. Particles lying below this film, being equally acted on from all sides, are in equilibrium as to forces of cohesion, but those in the film are on the whole attracted inward, and tension results.
Synonyms & Antonyms of surface tension
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
surface tension Sentence Examples
- Surface tension, a force that acts at the interface between two fluids, maintains the spherical shape of raindrops.
- The high surface tension of mercury prevents it from wetting surfaces, resulting in its characteristic beading effect.
- Insects like water striders utilize surface tension to walk on the surface of water without sinking.
- Soaps and detergents reduce surface tension, facilitating the removal of dirt and grease from surfaces.
- In microfluidics, surface tension plays a crucial role in manipulating fluids at the microscopic scale.
- The surface tension of liquids can be measured using various techniques, including the Wilhelmy plate method.
- Capillary action, the movement of fluids through narrow tubes, is driven by surface tension.
- The surface tension of molten metals is influenced by factors such as temperature, composition, and impurities.
- In textile dyeing, surface tension affects the wetting of fabrics and the uniformity of dye absorption.
- The surface tension of biological fluids, such as blood and saliva, is important for cell adhesion, protein folding, and other biological processes.
FAQs About the word surface tension
a phenomenon at the surface of a liquid caused by intermolecular forcesThat property, due to molecular forces, which exists in the surface film of all liquids a
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Surface tension, a force that acts at the interface between two fluids, maintains the spherical shape of raindrops.
The high surface tension of mercury prevents it from wetting surfaces, resulting in its characteristic beading effect.
Insects like water striders utilize surface tension to walk on the surface of water without sinking.
Soaps and detergents reduce surface tension, facilitating the removal of dirt and grease from surfaces.
