Question

Describe the laboratory method for determining the surface tension of a liquid

Answer 1

Surface tension refers to the ability of a liquid to resist the force of gravity. For example, water forms droplets on a table because the water molecules at the surface group together against the force of gravity.[1] Surface tension is what allows a denser object, such as an insect, to be able to float on the water's surface. Surface tension is measured by the amount of force (N) exerted on a unit such as length (m) or the amount of energy of a measured area. These are measured as Newton per meter (or N/meter).[2] The forces that water molecules exert on each other, or cohesive forces, cause the tension and are responsible for the shape of water (or other liquid) drops. You can measure surface tension with a few household items and a calculator.