15 Examples of Surface Tension

Surface tension is a fascinating property of liquids that arises from the cohesive forces between molecules at the liquid-air interface. This phenomenon leads to unique behaviors and has numerous applications in everyday life and various scientific fields. In this article, we’ll explore 15 common examples of surface tension.

Examples of Surface Tension

Here are 15 Examples of Surface Tension:

1. Water Droplets on a Leaf

It is the very common example of surface tension. When rain or dew forms water droplets on a leaf, the cohesive forces between water molecules create spherical shapes. This is due to surface tension, which minimizes the surface area, resulting in a compact droplet.

2. Capillary Action in Plants

Capillary action, driven by surface tension, enables plants to draw water from the soil to their roots against gravity. It’s crucial for the transport of water and nutrients in the plant’s vascular system.

3. Insect Walking on Water

Some insects, like water striders, can walk on the surface of water due to the high surface tension of water. The cohesive forces are strong enough to support the insect’s weight.

4. Droplets Forming on Faucets

When you open a faucet, the water that accumulates on the spout forms droplets due to surface tension. The water molecules adhere to each other, creating distinct droplets.

5. Bubble Formation

Soap bubbles exist because of surface tension. The soap molecules reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to stretch into a thin film and form a bubble.

6. Floating Needle

Surface tension can support the weight of small objects. When a needle is carefully placed on the surface of water, it can float due to the cohesive forces between water molecules.

7. Liquids Wetting Solid Surfaces

The ability of liquids to wet solid surfaces is influenced by surface tension. For example, water beads up on a hydrophobic surface, minimizing its contact area.

8. Meniscus Formation in a Tube

In a narrow tube, liquid can curve upward or downward at the edges, forming a meniscus. This curvature is due to the interaction between the liquid and the tube walls driven by surface tension.

9. Raindrop Formation

When raindrops form in the atmosphere, surface tension plays a role in shaping them. The cohesive forces in water help raindrops maintain a spherical shape.

10. Breakup of a Water Jet

When a stream of water breaks up into droplets, surface tension is involved in determining the size and shape of the droplets. It influences the breakup dynamics.

11. Printing on Paper

Surface tension affects the way ink spreads on paper. The cohesive forces in the ink lead to controlled spreading, influencing the quality of printed text and images.

12. Blood Capillary Function

In the human body, surface tension in blood plays a role in the function of capillaries. It influences the movement of blood through the narrow vessels.

13. A Water Strider’s Leg

A water strider’s ability to “walk on water” is supported by surface tension. The legs of the insect generate small depressions without breaking the water’s surface.

14. Rainbow Formation

The formation of rainbows is influenced by surface tension. When light interacts with rain droplets, the cohesive forces affect the dispersion and reflection of light, creating the colors of a rainbow.

15. Detergent Action

Detergents reduce surface tension, aiding in the cleaning process. This is why detergent solutions can penetrate and break down dirt and grease on surfaces.