Surface tension in water is due to __ ?
From Google:
Surface tension is caused by the effects of intermolecular forces at the interface. Surface tension depends on the nature of the liquid, the surrounding environment and temperature. Liquids were molecules have large attractive intermolecular forces will have a large surface tension.
To understand the cause of surface tension in water, we need to consider the cohesive forces between water molecules. The cohesive forces arise from the attractions between the water molecules, particularly the hydrogen bonding.
To determine the cause of surface tension in water, we can observe the behavior of water on the surface. The molecules on the surface of the liquid experience forces acting on them from all directions within the liquid. However, molecules at the surface have fewer neighbors contributing forces from above.
Due to this lack of balancing forces acting on the surface molecules, they experience a net inward force, creating a phenomenon known as surface tension. This force causes the water surface to behave like a stretched elastic film, resisting any external pressure or disintegration.
In summary, surface tension in water is primarily attributed to cohesive forces, particularly hydrogen bonding, between water molecules.