Question

Describe a simple experiment to show surface tension in water

Answer 1

Surface tension is a barrier formed on the surface of water caused by something called “cohesion.” Liquids all have this force, a force that holds a material together. Some are stronger than others (liquid mercury is a highly cohesive liquid). Cohesion is what causes water to have that spherical shape when it falls from the sky, or sits on a counter in a droplet. Go ahead and put a tiny drop of water on your kitchen table and look at it from the side: you will notice a “bubble” shape. This is the water pulling itself together. These next experiments will demonstrate this concept, as well as show you how to break surface tension.