In an experiment to determine the size of an oil molecule ,clean water was placed in a large basin and then left over several minutes without any disturbance.lycopodium powder was carefully spread on the water surface .a drop of oil was then taken from a container using a fine wire.its diameter was measured using a millimeter scale with aid of handlens and was found to be 0.35mm. the oil drop was carefully transferred onto the water surface where it spread to form circular patch of diameter 14cm.(a)explain briefly why water was held in a large basin. (b)the water was left undisturb Ed for several minutes.
(a) The water was held in a large basin to provide a wide and spacious area for the oil drop to spread. By using a large basin, any interference from the sides or other objects can be minimized, allowing the oil drop to freely spread and form a circular patch without any constraints.
(b) The water was left undisturbed for several minutes to allow the oil drop to fully spread and reach equilibrium with the surface tension of the water. Surface tension is the force that holds the molecules of a liquid together and affects the behavior of the liquid's surface. By allowing the water to rest undisturbed, any disturbances from external factors such as air currents or movements can be minimized, ensuring that the oil drop has ample time to reach its maximum spread and stabilize. This enables accurate measurement and observation of the size of the oil drop and its effect on the water surface.