What is surface tension please explain in detail???
Answers
The cohesive forces between liquid molecules are responsible for the phenomenon known as surface tension. The molecules at the surface do not have other like molecules on all sides of them and consequently they cohere more strongly to those directly associated with them on the surface. This forms a surface "film" which makes it more difficult to move an object through the surface than to move it when it is completely submersed.
Surface tension is typically measured in dynes/cm, the force in dynes required to break a film of length 1 cm. Equivalently, it can be stated as surface energy in ergs per square centimeter. Water at 20°C has a surface tension of 72.8 dynes/cm compared to 22.3 for ethyl alcohol and 465 for mercury.The liquid molecules which are below the surface are in equilibrium. The liquid molecules which are at the surface are attracted by other molecules in downward direction. So, a force is originated to balance the surface molecules which is equal but opposite in direction to the downward force. This force is called surface tension.