Question

what is surface tension how do you explain surface tension on the basis of molecular theory

Answer 1

surface tension can easily be understood as the tendency of a body to reduce its volume.
on the basis of molecular theory the intermolecular forces are strong enough to not to change the original state this tries to bring the molecule again to its original size (because other molecules near it attracts it)

Answer 2

$<b><I>$
here's your answer

surface tension is defined as the tangential force per unit length acting at right angle on either side of line imagine it to be drawn on the free liquid surface in equilibrium
if f is the force perpendicular to the imaginary line of length /then by definition
$surface \: tension = \frac{force}{length}$
its SI unit is Newton per metre and CGS unit is dynes per centimetre


MOLECULAR THEORY OF SURFACE TENSION :
1) consider three molecules A B and C of a liquid so that they are present much inside the liquid just below the surface and exactly upon the surface respectively
2) all Cohesive forces on all the sides of the molecule a balance Each Other hence there is no resultant force on the molecule that is much inside the liquid
3) it is clear that the upward Cohesive forces are lesser than that of downward Cohesive forces acting on the molecule be which is just below the surface hence there lies a resultant downward force on B
4) as the upward Cohesive forces are absent on molecules C lies on liquid surface it experiences are maximum downward force
5) due to this downward force the liquid surface behaves like a structured elastic membrane liquid then tends to acquire minimum surface area in order to have minimum potential energy and greatest ability this tendency is called as surface tension

be brainly