1. What is Surface Tension?

Surface tension (σ) is the force acting along the surface of a liquid, causing it to behave as an elastic sheet. It's defined as the force per unit length acting perpendicular to a line on the liquid surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the surface tension formula:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Surface tension (N/m)
• \( F \) — Force acting perpendicular to the surface (N)
• \( L \) — Length along which the force acts (m)

Explanation: The equation shows that surface tension is the ratio of the force applied to the length over which it acts.

3. Importance of Surface Tension

Details: Surface tension explains phenomena like water droplets forming spheres, insects walking on water, and capillary action. It's crucial in industrial processes like coating, painting, and detergent formulation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N) and length in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical surface tension values?
A: Water at 20°C has σ ≈ 0.0728 N/m. Mercury has σ ≈ 0.465 N/m. Organic liquids typically have lower values.

Q2: How does temperature affect surface tension?
A: Surface tension generally decreases with increasing temperature as molecular motion increases.

Q3: What units are used for surface tension?
A: SI unit is N/m (newton per meter), equivalent to J/m² (joule per square meter).

Q4: How is surface tension measured experimentally?
A: Common methods include the Wilhelmy plate, Du Noüy ring, and capillary rise techniques.

Q5: What factors affect surface tension?
A: Temperature, impurities, surfactants, and the nature of the liquid all affect surface tension.