6.
Surface Tension (Marks: 04/05)
Q. Q.1 Define the following terms.
1) Intermolecular force of attraction.
2) Cohesive force
3) Adhesive force
4) Molecular range.
5) Sphere of influence.
Ans:-
1)Intermolecular force of attraction:- The force of
attraction between any two molecules is called as
intermolecular force of attraction.
There are two types of intermolecular force of
attraction:
i) Cohesive forces ii) Adhesive forces
2)Cohesive forces:- The intermolecular force of
attraction between two molecules of same substance
is known as cohesive fore.
Exa:- i) Force of attraction between two water
molecules.
ii) Force of attraction between two glass
molecules.
2)Adhesive forces:- The intermolecular force of
attraction between two molecules of different
substances is known as adhesive force.
Exa:- force of attraction between one glass and one
air molecule.
3)Molecular Range:- The maximum distance up to
which the molecule can exert force of attraction on
another molecule is called as molecules range.
4)Sphere of Influence:- An imaginary sphere having
molecule as the centre and molecular range as the
radius, is known as sphere of influence.
Q.2.Explain the phenomenon of surface Tension
on the basis of Molecular Theory.
Ans: Surface film: A film on the surface of the
liquid having a thickness equal to the molecular
range of the liquid is called surface film.
1
Consider a beaker filled with water. Let A,
B and C are the three molecules of water with their
sphere of influence are shown in the above figure.
The molecules A is completely inside the
liquid. So it is equally attracted by another water
molecules. Therefore, the resultant cohesive force on
molecule A is zero.
The molecule B is just touching the liquid
surface. The very small part of its sphere of influence
lies outside the liquid and large part lies inside the
liquid. Hence, the large number of water molecule
attracts it in downward direction. Therefore, the
resultant cohesive force on molecule B is in
downward direction.
The molecule C is on the surface of the
liquid. Its upper half sphere of influence lies outside
the liquid. Therefore, the resultant cohesive force on
molecule C is in downward direction.
If we try to bring the molecule from inside to
the surface of the liquid, the work is done against the
downward force. This work done is stored in the
form of potential energy.
Thus, the potential energy increases with
increase in surface area and potential energy
decreases with decrease in surface area. But in nature
any system tries to have minimum potential energy.
So the surface of the liquid has a tendency to contract
and minimize its surface area like a stretched elastic
membrane. This behavior gives surface tension of the
liquid.
Q.3.Define surface tension. Give its unit &
dimension.
Ans: Surface Tension:- The force per unit length
acting at right angle to imaginary line drawn on the
surface of the liquid is called surface tension.
It l is length of an imaginary line, F is force
acting at right angle, then
𝐹
T= 𝑙
S. I. unit: N/m CGS unit: dyne/cm
1 0 -2
Dimension: [ M L T ]

Q.4.Define the term surface tension & surface
energy. Obtain the relation between them.
OR
Show that surface tension is equal to surface
energy.
Ans: Surface tension: The force per unit length
acting at right angle to imaginary line drawn on the
surface of the liquid is called surface tension.
Surface energy: potential energy per unit surface
area is called surface energy.
Relation between surface tension & surface
Energy:
Let ABCD is an open rectangular frame of
wire on which wire PQ can move without any
friction.
If it is dipped in a soap solution, then the soap
film APQD is formed as shown in above figure due
to the surface tension of the soap solution.
Let F be the force exerted on wire PQ, l be
the length of wire PQ and T be surface tension of
soap solution,
∴ F = 2 Tl
Here ,‘2’ indicates that the soap film has the
two surfaces which are in contact with the wire PQ.
If the wire PQ is displaced through a very
small displacement ‘dx’, then the work done is given
by
Work done = force × displacement
dw = F. dx
dw = T. 2l. dx
But, 2l. dx = dA = increase in surface area
∴ dw = T. dA
2
This work done is stored in the form of potential
energy.
∴ P. E. = T. dA
𝑃.𝐸
∴ =T
𝑑𝐴
𝑃.𝐸
But, = surface energy.
𝑑𝐴
∴ T = surface energy.
∴ Surface tension = surface energy
This is the relation between surface tension &
surface energy.
Q.5.Define the term angle of contact. State is
character is tics.
OR
Define angle of contact, when it is acute & when is
obtuse.
Ans: Angle of contact: The angle between the
surface of the solid & the tangent drawn to the
surface of the liquid at the point of contact, measured
from the side of the liquid is called the angle of
contact.
Characteristics of angle of contact:
1)Angle of contact is 0o when the liquid completely
wets the solid.
Exa: pure water in contact with glass. [In this case,
the tangent to the liquid surface is almost along the
surface of the solid.
2)Angle of contact is acute (𝜃 < 900) when the
liquid partially wets the solid. Exa:- kerosene in
contact with glass.
3)Angle of contact is obtuse (𝜃 > 900) when the
liquid does not wet the solid. Exa:- mercury in
contact with glass.
4)The angle of contact is constant for a given solid –
liquid pair.
5)If we add impurity in a liquid, the angle of contact
changes.
6)Angle of contact changes due to the temperature
change.
7)Angle of contact depends upon the free surface or
the medium of the free surface which is in contact
with the liquid.
Explaination of Angle of Contact:
Q.6.Explain why free surface of some liquid in
contact with solid is not horizontal.
Ans: The angle of contact can be explained on the
basis of molecular forces.
Consider a liquid molecule A in contact with
the solid as shown in the adjacent figure.
The sphere of influence of this molecules is
partly in solid, liquid and air.
There are four forces acting on this molecule
A:
1)Resultant adhesive forces by the molecules of solid
along vector 𝐴𝑃.
2)Resultant cohesive force by the liquid molecules
along 𝐴𝑄 .
3)Resultant adhesive force by the air molecules
which can be neglected.
4)The gravitational force which is very small and it is
also neglected.
Therefore the behavior of the molecule
depends upon the two forces 𝐴𝑃 and 𝐴𝑄 .
Case I:-
In case of liquid which partially wets the
solid(e.g. kerosene), the resultant adhesive force 𝐴𝑃
is greater then the resultant cohesive force 𝐴𝑄 .
Therefore the resultant(𝐴𝑅 ) of 𝐴𝑃 & 𝐴𝑄 lies outside
the liquid (inside the solid) as shown in the fig. (1).
In equilibrium state, the tangent AT to the
liquid surface which is perpendicular to the resultant
force 𝐴𝑅 is drawn.
3
Therefore, the liquid creeps upward on the
solid surface. Hence, the liquid surface in contact
with solid is concave upward and the angle of contact
is acute.
Case II:
In case of liquid which does not wet the solid
(e.g. mercury), the resultant adhesive force 𝐴𝑃 is less
than the resultant cohesive force 𝐴𝑄 . Therefoere,
their resultant force 𝐴𝑅 lies inside the liquid as
shown in the fig. (2).
In equilibrium state, the tangent AT to the
liquid surface which is perpendicular to the resultant
force 𝐴𝑅 is drawn. Therefore, the liquid creeps
downward on the solid surface. Hence, the liquid
surface in contact with the solid is convex upward
and the angle of contact is obtuse.
Case III:
In case of liquid e.g. pure water in contact
with clear glass, which completely wets the solid; the
resultant adhesive force 𝐴𝑃 acting on molecule A is
very strong & the resultant cohesive force 𝐴𝑄 can be
neglected. Therefore, the resultant of these two
forces is along 𝐴𝑃 .
In equilibrium state, the tangent AT to the
liquid surface is always perpendicular to 𝐴𝑅 .
Therefore, the angle of contact is 0o for pure
water & clean glass.
Shape of Molecule (Liquid Drop):

When a small quantity of liquid is dropped on
the plane solid surface, force of surface tension acts
along a surface separating any two areas. There is a
formation of liquid drop, when it is in equilibrium. It
depends upon force of interface media. Thus, there is
a Surface tension along a surface between
a)Liquid and air
b)Solid and air
c)Liquid and solid
Let 𝜃 be the angle of contact of given solid –
liquid pair,
T1 be surface tension at solid -liquid interface,
T2 be surface tension at solid-air interface,
T3 be surface tension at liquid-air interface.
For equilibrium of the drop,
T2 = T1 + T3 cos 𝜃
T2 – T1 = T3 cos 𝜃
𝑇 −𝑇
cos 𝜃 = 2𝑇 1
3 can be neglected .
From this equation, we get following cases:
1)If T2>T1 and T2 – T1<T3, then cos 𝜃 is positive, 𝜃 <
90o i.e. 𝜃 is acute.
2)If T2 < T1 and T2 – T1 < T3, then cos 𝜃 is negative,
= 𝜃 > 90o i.e. 𝜃 is abtase.
3)If T2 – T1 = T3, then cos 𝜃 = 1, 𝜃 = 0o.
4)If T2 – T1 > T3, then cos 𝜃 > 1 which is impossible.
Then the drop spread over the solid and drop shall
not be formed.
Excess Pressure inside the liquid drop and A
Bubble:-
a)Inside a liquid drop:-
4
Let us consider a drop of liquid of surface
Tension T and radius R. Let Pi and Po be the values
of pressures of inside and outside the drop of the
liquid (as shown in fig.) . Then,
Excess pressure inside the liquid drop = Pi- Po
Suppose that the radius of the drop is
increased from R to R+∆R under the pressure
difference (Pi- Po).
The outward force acting on the drop = excess of
pressure × surface area = (Pi- Po) × 4πR2
The small amount of workdone to increase its
radius by ∆R ,
dW= (Pi- Po) × 4πR2 × ∆R
= 4πR2 (Pi- Po) × ∆R -------------(1)
This work (dW) is done by the excess of
pressure against the force of surface tension and is
stored in the form of its potential energy (dU).
Also , increase in the potential energy of the
liquid drop ,
dU= surface tension × increase in surface area
= T × (4π(𝑅 + ∆𝑅)2 − 4π𝑅 2 )
= T × (4π𝑅 2 + 8πR∆𝑅 + 4π∆𝑅 2 − 4π𝑅 2 )
As ∆𝑅 is very small , the term containing ∆𝑅 2
Therefore increase in the potential energy of
the drop ,
dU=8πR∆𝑅 T ----------------------(2)
From equations (1) and (2) ,we get ,
4πR2 (Pi- Po) × ∆R = 8πR∆𝑅 T
𝟐𝐓
(Pi- Po) = 𝐑
𝟐𝐓
Excess pressure inside the liquid drop = 𝐑
a)Inside a liquid bubble:-
 A liquid bubble has air both inside and 2)When the capillary tube is dipped in mercury,
outside it and therefore it has two free surfaces. If a mercury level fails in the capillary tube as shown in
liquid bubble increases in size from radius R to R the following figure.
+∆𝑅 ,then area of its inner surface as well as that of
outer surface will increase.
Therefore , increase in potential energy of the bubble
,
dU= surface tension × increase in surface area

= 2T × (4π(𝑅 + ∆𝑅)2 − 4π𝑅 2 )

= 2T × (4π𝑅 2 + 8πR∆𝑅 + 4π∆𝑅 2 − 4π𝑅 2 )

= 16πR∆𝑅 T-------------(3) Examples (Applications of Capillarity):-

The small amount of workdone to increase its radius 1)Ink rises in a pen.
by ∆R , 2)Blotting paper absorb ink as water.
dW= (Pi- Po) × 4πR2 × ∆R 3)Oil rises up through wick in oil lamps.
4)Water and sap rises from the roots to the top of the
= 4πR2 (Pi- Po) × ∆R-------(4) tree.
5)Towel soaks the water.
From equations (3) and (4) ,we get ,
Pressure Difference Across the Surface of the
4πR2 (Pi- Po) × ∆R = 16πR∆𝑅 T Liquid:-
Consider that AB is the section of small
𝟒𝐓
(Pi- Po) = element kept on the liquid surface. Suppose that it
𝐑
has unit length perpendicular to the plane of liquid
𝟒𝐓 surface.
Excess pressure inside the liquid bubble = 1)If the surface of the liquid is plane, the forces due
𝐑
to the surface tension acting on two sides of the
Q.7.Define the term capillary tube and capillary element AB are equal & opposite. So that the
Action. Explain capillary Action with example. resultant force is zero. Therefore, there is no
Ans: Capillary tube: difference of pressure on the two sides of plane
A glass tube having a bore of very small surface (fig. (1)).
diameter is called capillary tube.
Capillary Action:
The phenomenon of rise or fall of the liquid
inside a capillary tube when the capillary tube is
dipped in the liquid is called capillarity or capillary
action.
1)When the capillary tube is dipped in water, the 2)If the surface of the liquid is concave, the forces
water rises in the capillary tube as shown in due to the surface tension acting on the element AB
following figure. produce a resultant force acting in vertically upward
direction (fig.(2)). To balance the effect of resultant
force, the pressure on the concave surface must be
greater than the pressure on the other side.

5

3)If the surface of liquid is convex, the forces due to
the surface tension acting on the element AB produce
resultant force acting in vertically downward
direction. (fig. (3)). To balance the effect of resultant
force, the pressure on the concave side (from below)
must be greater than the pressure on convex surface.
Therefore, we conduce that
1)If the liquid surface is plane there is no difference
of pressure on the two sides of the liquid surface.
2)If the liquid surface is curved (convex or concave),
there is a difference of pressure on the two sides of
the surface. The pressure on the concave side is
greater than the pressure on the convex side.
Q.8.Explain the cause of capillary Action.
Ans:
Suppose that a capillary tube is dipped into a
liquid when wets the capillary consider the situation
before the movement of water inside the capillary.
Shape or the surface of the water in the capillary is
concave.
Let us consider the four points, A, B, C and D
as shown in the above figure. The point A is just
above the curved surface inside the capillary. The
point B is just below the curved surface inside the
6
capillary and point C is just above the plane surface
outside the capillary and point D is just below the
plane surface outside the capillary.
Let PA, PB, PC and PD be the pressure at the
four points A, B, C and D respectively.
The pressure on the concave side of the liquid
surface is greater than that on the convex side.
Therefore, PA > PB.
The pressure is same on both sides of the
plane surface outside the capillary.
∴ PC = PD
Now, PA = PC = atmospheric pressure
Therefore, we can writs
PD > PB (∵ PD= PA = PC)
Therefore, the liquid cannot remain in
equilibrium and it flows into the capillary and rises
above the point B till the pressure at B becomes same
as that at point D. Therefore, the liquid rises inside
the capillary tube.
For a liquid like mercury, which does not wet
the solid (tube), the liquid surface inside the capillary
tube is convex. In case, there is fall of liquid inside
the capillary.
Q.9.Explain the rise of liquid in a capillary tube.
Derive an expression for the surface tension of the
liquid.
Ans: Rise of liquid in capillary tube:-
Consider a capillary tube of radius r dipped
vertically in water as shown in figure. Due to the
surface tension of water, the water rises inside the
capillary tube.
Let ‘h’ is the height of water inside the
capillary tube above the free surface of water in the
vessel.
The meniscus is concave as shown in the
figure. The force of surface tension is the force per
unit length which acts along the tangent to the liquid
, making an angle 𝜃 with the wall of the capillary,
where 𝜃 is the angle of contact for the liquid glass hr ϱ g
∴T= 2
pair.
Also, height of the liquid column inside the
By Newton’s third law, the capillary tube
capillary tube
exerts an equal and opposite force of reaction on the 2 T cos θ
liquid. ℎ = 𝑟𝜚 𝑔
The force of reaction T can be resolved into Q.10.Explain the effect of impurity and
two components:- temperature on surface tension.
1)T cos 𝜃 acting in vertically upward direction. Ans:
2)T sin 𝜃 acting in the horizontal direction. 1)Effect of Impurity on surface Tension:-
All the horizontal components cancel each If surface of the liquid contains impurities of
other, while all the vertical components are added to any kind, there is a change in the surface tension of
each other. the liquid.
If ‘r’ is the radius of the capillary tube the i)If the soluble impurity is added in the liquid, there
liquid surface inside the capillary, in contact with is increase in the surface tension of the liquid.e.g.
capillary is along the length ‘2𝜋r’. when common salt (NaCl) is dissolved in water,
Therefore, surface tension of the solution is greater than that of
pure water.
Total upward force = 2𝜋r T cos 𝜃 ----- (1) ii)If the insoluble impurity is added in the liquid,
there is decrease in the surface tension of the
The upward force pulls the liquid till the solution. e.g. when soap or detergent is dissolved in
weight ‘mg’ of the liquid acting downward balances water, the surface tension of the solution decreases to
it. large extent. This is the reason why the soap is used
The volume of the liquid column (V) = 𝜋r2h for washing clothes. That’s why, a soap bubble in air
Let ϱ is the density of the liquid. remains stable for reasonable time.
By sprinkling oil in the sea , the waves calm
mass
∴ Density = down , due to decrease in surface tension of water
volume
and thereby the height of water waves is also
∴ mass = density × volume reduced.
∴ m = ϱ 𝜋r2h
∴ Total downward force = weight of the liquid 2)Effect of Temperature on surface Tension:-
For most liquids, the surface tension
column
decreases with increase in temperature of liquid.
= mg
With increase in temperature the distance between
= ϱ 𝜋r2hg
the liquid molecules increases. This decreases the
cohesive force of attraction between the molecules &
Now, for equilibrium of the liquid in the tube,
hence, the surface tension of liquid decreases.
Only in case of molten copper and molten
Total upward force = Total downward force
cadmium, the surface tension increases with increase
in temperature.
2𝜋r. T cos 𝜃 = ϱ 𝜋r2hg
The temperature at which surface tension of
ϱ 𝜋r 2 hg
liquid becomes zero is called the critical temperature
T = 2𝜋𝑟 cos 𝜃 of the liquid.
The surface tension of almost all liquids
ϱ rhg decrease with rise in temperature . If T and T0 are the
T = 2 cos 𝜃
values of surface tension of liquid at 𝜃℃ and 0 ℃
hr ϱ g
respectively , then over a certain range of
∴ T = 2 cos 𝜃 temperature T=T0 (1-𝛼𝜃) , where 𝛼 is constant
which depends on the nature of the liquids.
This is an expression for surface tension of
the liquid. 3)Effect of contamination of surface tension:-
If 𝜃 = 0o, (for pure water & clean glass),
cos 𝜃 = 1
7
 The presence of dust particles or lubricating 4)Work done in increase in the radius of soap bubble
materials on the liquid surface decreases its surface for R1 to R2 is given by
tension.
Work done = surface tension × increase in surface
Important Formulae:- area
Type I = T (final surface area - initial surface area)
1)Surface Tension of liquid:-
𝐹
T= 𝑙 = T (8𝜋𝑅22 −8𝜋𝑅12 )
SI unit : N/m CGS unit : dyne / cm
= 8𝜋 T(𝑅22 −𝑅12 )
2)Force due to surface tension:-
F=Tl = 2𝜋 T(𝐷22 −𝐷12 )

3)Additional formulae (Forces) in different cases:- Type III

i)A needle (or stick) of length ‘l’: 1)Surface Tension:-
rh ϱg
F = T. 2 l T = 2 cos 𝜃

ii)A ring of radius ‘r’: Where, h = height of liquid column

r = radius of the capillary tube
F = T. 2. 2𝜋r ϱ = density of the liquid
g = acceleration due to gravity
F = 4T𝜋r 𝜃 = angle of contact
iii)A ring of inner radius ‘r1’ and outer radius ‘r2’:
F = T. (2𝜋r1 + 2𝜋r2) For a given liquid
F = 2𝜋r T (r1 + r2) 1
r∙h = constant ∴ r ∝ ℎ
iv)A disc of radius ‘r’:
F = T 2𝜋r 1)Ratio of surface Tension:
F=T𝜋D
𝑇1 h1 r1 ϱ1 g1 cos θ2
= × × × ×
v)Frame of length ‘l’ and breadth ‘b’: 𝑇2 h2 r2 ϱ2 g 2 cos θ1
F = T. (4l + 4b)
F = 4T (l + b) Problems:-
vi)Glass plate of length ‘l’ and breadth ‘b’:
F = T. (2l + 2b)
Type I
F = 2T (l + b) 1.A needle , 5cm long can just rest on the surface of
Type II water without wetting. Find the weight of needle.
1)Surface energy:- Surface tension of water=0.07 N/m(Ans: 7 x 10-3 N)
2.A light square wire frame each side of which is 10
Surface energy = work done cm long hanges vertically in water with one side just
= T. dA touching the water surface.Find the additional force
= surface tension × increase or decrease in surface necssary to pull the frame clear of
area. water.(T=0.074N/m) (Ans: 0.0148 N)
3.A thin wire is bent in the form of a rectangle of
1)Surface area of liquid drop = 4𝜋R2
length 4 cm and bredth 3 cm.What force due to the
surface tension do the sides experience when a soap
2)Surface area of soap bubble = 8𝜋R2
film is formed in the frame ? S.T. of soap solution
4
3)Volume of the spherical drop = 3 𝜋R2 =0.030 N/m. (Ans: 8.4 x 10-3 N)
4.A square glass plate 9.5cm long and 0.5cm thick is
suspended so that its lower edge is in contact with

8
water in a vessel. Calculate the force due to surface
tension acting on the plate. Surface tension of water
=72 dynes/cm. (Ans: 1440 dynes)
5.Compute the downward pull due to surface tension
on a tube of internal diameter 10 cm and 4 mm
thickness when it is partly submerged in water.S.T.
of water=72 x 10-3 N/m. (Ans: 4.7 x 10-3 N)
6.A glass tube of internal diameter 3.5 cm and
thickness 0.5cm is held vertically with its lower end
immersed in water.Find the downward pull on the
tube due to surface tension. S. T. of water is 0.074
N/m. (Ans: 0.0186N)
7. Calculate the force required to take away a flat
circular plate of radius 0.01 m from the surface of
water. The surface tension of water is 0.075N/m.
(Ans:0.004717N)
8. A circular loop of thin wire of radius 7/ cm is
suspended from one arm of a balance. The plane of
the loop is in contact with the surface of soap
solution. The pull on the loop due to S.T. is found to
be 0.6 x 10-3 kg wt. Calculate the S.T. of soap
solution, assuming its of contact to be 0°.
(Ans:21 x 10-3 N/m)
Type II
9. Calculate the work done in blowing a soap bubble
of radius 2 cm in air. Surface tension of soap solution
is 30 dyne/cm. (Ans:3.014 x 10-4J)
10. A soap bubble in air is slowly expanded so that
its radius increases from 4 cm to 10 cm. Determine
the increase in its surface energy, if the S.T. of soap
solution is 0.03 N/m.(Ans:6.33 x 10-3J)
11. Compare the amounts of work done in blowing
two soap bubbles of radii in the ratio 4 : 5.
(Ans:16:25)
12. A drop of mercury, 2 mm in diameter, is broken
up into 1000 small droplets, all of the same size,
Calculate the work done in the process, if the surface
tension of mercury is 0.46 N/m.(Ans:5.2 x 10-5J)
13. Calculate the amount of energy needed to break a
drop of water of radius 1 mm into 109 droplets of
equal size. The surface tension of water is 75 x 10-3
N/m. (Ans:9.144 x 10-4J)
14. Calculate the amount of energy evolved when 27
droplets of water, each of radius 0.5 mm, combine to
form one drop. S.T. of water is 70 x10-3 N/m.
(Ans:3.956 x 10-6J)
9
15. A drop of mercury of radius 0.5 cm falls on a
plane surface from a certain height and breaks into a
million droplets all of the same size. If the surface
tension of mercury is 0.5 N/m. find the height from
which the drop falls. (Density of mercury = 13,600
kg/m3, acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2)
(Ans:22.28 cm)
16. Eight droplets of mercury each of radius 1 mm
coalesce into a single drop. Find change in surface
energy. Surface tension of mercury is 0.465 J/m2.
(Ans:2.33 x 10-5 J)
17. The total energy of the free surface of a liquid
drop is 2 times the surface tension of the liquid.
What is the diameter of the drop? (Assume all terms
in SI unit.)[Hint: Numerically, T (4r2) = 2T]
(Ans. 1.4144 m)
18. A soap bubble has a radius of 3.5 cm.If 36960
ergs of work is done to blow it further, find the new
radius of the bubble. (The surface tension of soap
solution is 40 dynes/cm)(Ans.7cm)
19. A drop oil of diameter 2 mm is sprayed into one
million droplets, all of same size. If surface tension
of oil is 32 dyne/cm. Calculate energy required.
(Ans. 3.979  10-5 J)
20. Sixty four drop of mercury each of diameter 0.1
mm coalesce to form a single drop. Find the energy
released in this process. (Surface tension of mercury
= 0.49 N/m) (Ans. 2.954  10-5J)
Type III
21. Capillary tube of radius 0.5 mm is dipped
vertically into water. The capillary rise is of 2.94
cm. If density of liquid is 1 gm/cm3. Find surface
tension of water. (Ans. 0.072 N/m)
22. The rise of water in a capillary tube of radius 0.1
mm is 5.5 cm. What is the rise of water in a capillary
tube of 0.1 mm diameter? (Ans:11.0cm)
23. A liquid rises to a height of 9 cm in a glass
capillary of radius 0.02 cm. What will be the height
of liquid column in a glass capillary of radius 0.03
cm? (Ans:6 cm)
24. A capillary tube of uniform bore is dipped
vertically in water which rises by 7 cm in the tube.
Find the radius of the capillary if the S.T. of water is
70 dyne/cm. (g = 980 cm/s2) (Ans:0.02041 cm)
25. Water rises to a height of 5 cm in a certain
capillary tube. In the same capillary tube, mercuryis
depressed by 1.54 cm. Compare the surface tensions
of water and mecury.
(Given : Density of water = 1000 kg/m3
Density of mercury = 13600 kg/m3
Angle of contact for water = 0°
Angle of contact for mercury=130°)
(Ans:0.153)
26. A capillary tube of 0.5mm in radius is immersed
in a beaker of mercury . The mercury level inside the
tube is found to be 0.80cm below the level of
reservoir. Determine the angle of contact between
mercury and glass. Surface tension of mercury =
0.465 N/m and density is 13.6 x 103 kg/m3,g=9.8
m/s2 (Ans:1240 58’)
27. Water rises to a height of 4cm in a certain
capillary tube .If the same capillary tube is dipped
into mercury ,the level of mercury decrease to 3cm
,compare the surface tension of water and mercury ,
if densities of mercury and water are 13.6 x 103
kg/m3 and 103 kg/m3 respectively. Angle of contact
for water is 00 and that of mercury is 1350.
(Ans :0.06932:1)
28. A capillary tube of radius 0.5 mm is dipped
vertically in a liquid of surface tension 0.04 N/m and
relative density 0.8 gm/cc. Calculate the height of
capillary rise , if the angle of contact is 100.(g=9.8
m/s2) (Ans :2 cm)
29. The surface tension of water at 00 c is 70
dyne/cm. Find surface tension of water at 250 c (
for water = 0.0027/0c) (Ans:65.275 dyne/cm)
30. Calculate the density of paraffin oil , if glass
capillary of diameter 0.25mm dipped in paraffin oil
of the suface tension 0.0245 N/m rises a height of 4
cm .(angle of contact of paraffin oil with glass is 280
and g=9.8 m/s2) (Ans:882.8 kg/m3)
31. The tube of a mercury barometer is 1 cm in
diameter. What correction due to capillarity is to be
applied to the barometer reading if the surface
tension of mercury is 435.5 dynes/cm and the angle
of contact of mercury with glass is 140? (Density of
mercury = 13600 kg/m3)
(Ans. h = -0.1001 cm  correction = + 0.1001 cm)
32. The surface tension of water at 0C is 70
dynes/cm. Find the surface tension of water at 20C.
( for water = 2.7  10-3 C) (Ans. 66.22 dynes/cm)
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33.A vertical U-tube containing a liquid has one limb
of diameter 2.4 mm and the other limb of diameter
0.8 mm. The density and surface tension of the liquid
are 900 kg/m3 and 0.05 N/m respectively. Find the
difference between the liquid levels in the two limbs.
Assume the angle of contact to be zero. (g = 9.8
m/s2) (Ans:1.89 cm)
34. Find the difference in levels of mercury in two
limbs of a U-tube if the diameter of the bore of one
limb is 1 mmand the other is 4mm. The surface
tension of mercury is 540 dynes/cm and density is
13.6 g/cm3. Given: angle of contact of mercury =
135. (Ans. - 0.8595 cm i.e. - 8.595 mm)
35. A capillary tube of radius 1 mm is immersed in a
beaker of mercury. The mercury level inside the tube
is found to be 0.536 cm below the level in the
reservoir. Determine the angel of contact between the
mercury and glass. (Surface tension of mercury =
0.485 N/m, density of mercury = 13.6  103 kg/m3)
(Ans. 137 26’ )
36. A glass tube of diameter 0.05 cm is dipped in a
liquid of density 0.8 g/cc. If S.T. of the liquid is 28
dynes/cm and angle of contact is 16 20’,then find
the height to which the liquid will rise in the tube.
(Ans. 2.742 cm)
37. What should be the diameter of a capillary tube if
water rises in it to a height of 2.4 cm. S.T. of water =
72 dynes/cm. (Ans. 1.225 mm)
38. Calculate the height to which an oil rises in a
capillary tube of diameter 1 mm. Given: Density of
oil = 800 kg/m3, angle of contact = 28 27’, surface
tension of oil = 2.45  10-2 N/m, g = 9.8 m/s2
(Ans. 1.1 cm)
39. Find the height to which water will rise in
capillary tube having a here of diameter 0.05 cm.
Take surface tension of water = 0.070 N/m.  = 0, 
= 103 kg/m3 (Ans. 5.714 cm)
40. By how much will liquid level depressed in
capillary tube of diameter 0.04 cm. If angle of
contact of liquid is 135 angle and surface tension of
liquid is 0.547 N/m. Density of liquid = 13.6
gm/cm3. (Ans. 2.903 cm)
41. Radius of capillary tube is 0.025 mm. The tube is
dipped vertically in liquid of density 800 kg/m3 and
surface tension 0.03 N/m. Angle of contact
72.54.Calculate liquid rise in capillary g = 10
m/s2 (Ans. 9 cm)
42. Water rises to height 10 cm in a capillary tube.
If the area of cross section becomes 25% what will
be capillary rise. (Ans. 20 cm)
Problems For Practice:-
43. A needle,10cm long can just rest on the surface
of water without wetting. Find the weight of needle.
Surface tension of water=0.07 N/m(Ans: 14x10-3 N)
44.A glass plate 8cm long is 2mm thick. It is
suspended with the long side horizontal and just
touching the water surface in a trough full of water.
Calculate the downward force on the plate due to
surface tension.T=0.072 N/m(Ans:11.8x 10-3 N)
45. A glass plate 0.12 m long and 2 mm thick is
suspended over the surface of water with its length
just touching the surface. Calculate the downward
force acting on the plate due to surface tenison.(S.T.
of water = 75 x10-3 N/m) (Ans:1.83 x 10-3 N)
46. A capillary tube of internal diameter 1 mm and
external diameter 5 mm is suspended vertically from
one arm of a balance and its weight is determined. If
the lower end of the tube is then kept dipping into a
liquid of surface tensionn 39.2 x 10-3 N/m and angle
of contact 0°, find the change in the apparent weight
of the tube due to surface tension. (g = 9.8
m/s2).(Ans:7.536 x 10-5 kg wt)
47. A rectangular film of liquid is formed in the
frame of wire and a movable rod of length 4
cm.What force must be applied to the rod to keep it
in equilibrium if the surface tension of liquid is 40 x
10-3 N/m. (Ans:3.2 x 10-3 N)
48. A glass tube has inner diameter is 1mm outer
diameter is 1.1mm,when it is kept vertical and partial
dipped in water ,calculate the downward pull due to
surface tension.(Surface tension of water = 75
dyne/cm) (Ans:103.6 dyne)
49. A horizontal circular loop of wire of radius 0.02
m is lowered into a liquid and form film.The force
due to surface tension of the liquid is 0.0113
N.Calculate the surface tension of crude oil.
(Ans:44.9 dyne/cm)
50. A glass plate 9.9 cm long and 1 mm thick is
suspended in a trough containing water so that its
length just touches the water surface. Calculate the
downward force due to surface tension acting on the
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plate.(Surface tension of water = 70 dynes/cm)
(Ans.1400 dynes)
51. A needle, 3 cm long, can just rest on the surface
of water without wetting. Find the weight of the
needle(S T of water = 70 dynes/cm)(Ans.420 dyne)
52. A glass plate 10cm long and 3 mm thick is
suspended in a trough containing water so that its
length just touches water surface. Calculate the
downward force due to surface tension acting on the
plate.S.T. of water = 74 dynes/cm.Ans.1524 dynes
53. A glass plate of length 5 cm, breadth 3 cmand
thickness 2 mm hold vertical with it’s longest side
just touching the surface of water what is the force
due to surface tension acting on plate? (S.T. Of water
= 0.072 N/m (Ans. 7.488  10-3 N)
54. A soap bubble of radius 10 cm is blown. S.T. of
soap solution is 30 dyne/cm. Calculate the workdone
in blowing the bubble? (Ans:7.536 x 104erg)
55. The diameter of a soap bubble is 5 cm.
Determine the increase in its surface energy if its
diameter is increased 3 times. The surface tension of
soap solution is 25 x 10-3 N/m.(Ans:3.14 x 10-3J)
56. Calculate the work done in blowing a soap
bubble of radius 0.5 cm. Surface tension of soap
solution is 25 x 10-3 N/m. (Ans:1.57 x 10-5 J)
57. A drop of mercury of radius 0.1 cm is broken into
27 droplets of same size. Find the work done if the
S.T. of mercury is 540 dyne/cm.(Ans:1.356 x 10-5 J)
58. Calculate the work done in breaking a mercury
drop of radius 1 mm into one thousand droplets of
the same size. Surface tension of mercury is 525 x
10-3 N/m. (Ans: 5.935 x 10-5 J)
59. Calculate the work done in blowing a soap
bubble of radius 0.5 cm. Surface tension of soap
solution is 25 x 10-3 N/m. (Ans:7033 erg)
60. A mercury drop of radius 0.5 cm falls on a glass
tube and breaks into a million droplets all of the
same size. Find the height from which the drop must
have fallen. (Density of mercury = 13,600 kg/m3,
S.T. of mercury = 0.465 N/m,acceleration due to
gravity = 9.8 m/s2) (Ans:0.2072 cm)
61. Calculate the work done in breaking a mercury
drop of radius 1 mm into one thousad droplets of the
same size. Surface tension of mercury = 490  10-3
N/m. (Ans. 5.539  10-5 J)
62. 125 drops of mercury, each of diameter 0.2 mm,
coalesce to form a single drop. Find the energy
released in this process. (Surface tension of mercury
= 0.49 N/m) (Ans. 6.154  10-6 J OR 61.54 ergs).
63. A drop of mercury of radius 0.1 cm is broken
into 8 droplets of the same size.Find the workdone if
the S.T. of mercury is 490 dynes /cm(Ans.61.54 erg)
64. Eight droplets of water, each of radius 0.2 mm,
coalesce into a single drop. Find the change in the
total energy. (S.T. = 0.072 N/m)(Ans. 1.447  10-7J)
65. Calculate the work done when a spherical drop
of mercury of radius 2 mm, falls from some height
and breaks into a million drroplets, each of the same
size. The S.T. of mercury is 0.5 N/m.(Ans. 2.487
10-3J)
66. Calculate the work done in blowing a soap
bubble of radius 0.5 cm.The S.T. of the soap
solution is 25  10-3 N/m.(Ans. 1.57  10-5 joule)
67. Compare the amount or work done in blowing
soap bubbles of radii 5 cm to 7 cm. (Ans. 25 : 49)
68. Calculate work done required in blowing soap
bubble from the diameter of 5 cm to 15 cm if S.T. of
soap bubble is 125 dyne/cm. (Ans. 15.7  104 erg)
69. Calculate the work done in increasing the radius
of a soap bubble in air from 1 cm to 2cm. The
surface tension of a soap solution is 30 dyne/cm.
(Ans. 2261 ergs)
70. A drop of mercury of radius 0.1 cm is broken into
8 droplets of same size. Find the work done if the
surface tension of mercury is 540 dyne/cm.
(Ans. 67.82 ergs.)
71. A liquid of density 900 kg/m3 rises to a height of
9 mm in a capillary tube of 2.4 mm diameter. If the
angle of contact is 25°. find the surface tension of the
liquid. (g = 9.8 m/s2).(Ans:5.257 x 10-2 N/m)
72. A liquid rises to a height of 5 cm in a glass
capillary of radius 0.02 cm. What will be the height
of the same liquid column in a glass capillary of
radius 0.04 cm? (Ans:2.5cm)
73. Water rises up in a capillary tube of radius 0.5
mm through height 3 cm. How far will it rise in a
capillary tube of radius 1 mm? (Ans:1.5cm)
74. In determination of the surface tension of water
by capillary rise method, the height of the water
column in the glass capillary tube is found to be 4.9
cm. If the radius of the tube is 0.3 mm, find the
12
surface tension of water. (Angle of contact for water
and glass = 0(Ans. 72.03 dynes/cm)
75. When a capillary tube of radius 0.4 mm is dipped
into water, the level inside the tube rises to a height
of 4 cm above the surface of water. Calculate the
surface tension of water if its angle of contact is zero
and density is 1 g/cm3. (Ans. 78.4 dyes /cm)
76. The S.T. of water is 7  10-2 N/m,. Find the
height to which water rises in a capillary tube of
glass having a bore of uniform radius 0.2 mm.
(Density of water = 1000 kg/m3)(Ans. 7.143 cm)
77. A capillary tube of radius 0.5 mm is dipped
vertically in a liquid of S.T. 0.04 N/m and density 0.8
g/cm3. Calculate the height of the capillary rise if
the angle of contact is 10. (Ans. 2.01  10-2 m)
78. When a capillary tube of radius 0.45 mm is
dipped into water , the level inside the capillary tube
rises to height of 3cm above the surface of water.
Calculate the surface tension of the water.If its angle
of contact is zero and its density is 1 gm/cm3 (g = 9.8
m/s2) (Ans:0.06615 N/m)
79. A liquid rise to a height of 4.5 cm in a glass
capillary tube of radius 0.01cm,what will be the
height of liquid column in a glass tube of radius
0.02cm? (Ans:2.25cm)
80. Water rises to height 3.2cm in glass capillary
tube. Find height of rise of same water in another
capillary having half area of cross-section
(Ans:4.525cm)
81. Calculate the radius of the capillary tube if water
rises in it to a height of 4.5 cm. The surface tension
of water is 72 dynes/cm. (Angle of contact for water
= 0) (Ans. 0.03266 cm)
82. Calculate the height to which paraffin oil rises in
a capillary tube of radius 0.5 mm. (Given : Surface
tension of paraffin oil = 24.5 x 10-3 N/m, density of
paraffin = 800 kg/m3, angle of contact = 28027’, g =
9.8 m/s2) (Ans:1.1cm)
83. A certain liquid rises to a height of 6 cm in a
capillary tube of radius 0.33 mm. The same liquid
rises to height of 9 cm in another capillary tube.
Calculate the radius of the other capillary tube.
(Ans:0.22cm)
84. Water rises to height of 5 cm in a certain
capillary tube. In the same capillary, mercury is
depressed by 1.54 cm. Compare the surface tensions
of water and mercury. (Density of water = 1000
kg/m3, dennsity of mercury = 13600 kg/m3, Angle
of contact for water is 0°C and for mercury is 130°.
(Ans:1:6.516)
85. A certain liquid rises to a height of 9 cmin a
capillary tube of radius 0.22 mm. The same liquid
rises to a height of 15 cm in another capillary tube.
Calculate the radius of the other capillary tube.
(Ans. 0.132 mm)
86. A drop of mercury of diameter 4 mm falls on a
plane surface from a certain height and breaks into
106 equal small spheres. If surface tension of
mercury is 540 dyne/cm, find the height from which
the drop falls. (Given : g = 980 cm/s2, dennsity of
mercury = 13.6 g/cm3) (Ans. 60.17 cm)
87. In determination of the surface tension of a liquid
by capillary rise method, two glass capillary tubes of
radii 0.25 mm and 0.50 mm are held side by side.
The difference in the levels of the liquid in the two
tubes is found to be 2.60 cm. Find the surface
tension of the liquid. (Density of the liquid = 0.9
gram/cm3, angle of contact for the liquid and glass =
25 (Ans. 63.26 dynes/cm)
88. Calculate capillary rise from following data.
radius of capillary tube = r = 0.5 mm, surface tension
= T = 30 dyne/cm specific gravity = 0.8, angle of
contact =  =0.(Ans. 3.061  10-2 m)
89. Calculate the depression of mercury in a tube of
diameter 0.4 cm when it is held vertically in mercury
in a trough, with one end of the tube open to
atmosphere. (Density of mercury = 13.6 grams/cm3,
surface tension of mercury = 490 dynes/cm, angle of
contact for mercury with glass = 140)
[Hint : In this caase, cos  is negative. Hence, h will
be negative. The numberical value of h gives the
depression of mercury.] (Ans. 0.2816 cm)
Board Book Problems
90. When a capillary tube of radius 0.45 mm is
dipped into water, the level inside the capillary tube
rises to height of 3 cm above the surface of water.
Calculate the surface tension of water, if its angle of
contact is zero and its density is 1g/cm3 ( g = 9.8
m/s2) .
91. A liquid rises to a height of 4.5 cm in a glass
capillary tube of radius 0.01 cm. What will be the
height of liquid column in a glass capillary tube of
radius 0.02 cm?
13
92. A capillary tube of radius 0.5 mm is immersed in
a beaker of mercury. The mercury level inside the
tube is found to be 0.80 cm below the level of
reservoir. Determine the angle of contact between
mercury and glass. Surface tension of mercury =
0.465 N/m and density is 13.6 x 103 kg/m3 m g = 9.8
m/s2 .
93. Water rises to a height of 4cm in a certain
capillary tube. If the same capillary tube is dipped
into mercury, the level of mercury decreases to 3cm.
Compare the surface tension of water and mercury, if
densities of mercury and water are 13.6 x 103 kg/m3
and 103 kg/m3 respectively. Angle of contact for
water is 0° and that of mercury is 135°.
94. A drop of mercury of radius 0.1 cm is broken into
27 droplets of the same size.
Find the work done if the surface tension of mercury
is 540 dyne/cm.
95. A rectangular film of liquid is formed in the a
frame of wire and a movable rod of length 4 cm.
What force must be applied to the rod to keep it in
equilibrium if the surface tension of liquid is 40 x 10-
3
N/m?
96. A soap bubble of radius 10 cm is blown. Surface
tension of soap solution is 30 dyne/cm. Calculate the
work done in blowing the bubble.
97. Water rises to height 3.2 cm in glass capillary
tube. Find height to which same water rises in
another capillary having half area of cross section.
PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE
98.Calculate the force required to take away a flat
circular plate of radius 0.01 m from the surface of
water. The surface tension of water is 0.075 N/m.
( Ans : 0.004713 N)
99. There is a soap film on rectangular frame of wire
of area 4 cm x 4cm. If the area of the frame is
increased to 4 cm x 5 cm, find the work done in the
process. (Surface tension of soap film = 3 x 10-2
N/m) ( Ans : 4.8 x 10-5 J )
100. A capaillary tube of radius 0.5 mm is dipped
vertically in a liquid of surface tension 0.04 N/m and
relative density 0.8 g/cc. Calculate the height of
capillary rise, if the angle of contact is 10°. ( Given g
= 9.8 m/s2 ) ( Ans : 2.001 cm)
101. A mercury drop of radius 0.5 cm falls from a
height on a glass plate and breaks up into a million
droplets, all of the same size, find the height from
which the drop must have fallen. (Density of mercury
= 13600 = kg/m3 . Surface tension of mercury =
0.465 N/m) ( Ans : 0.2072 m)
102.The surface tension of water at 0 ° C is 70
dyne/cm. Find surface tension of water at 25°𝐶 (𝛼
For water = 0.0027/°C).
( Ans : 65.27 dyne/cm)
103. Eight droplets of water, each of radius 0.2 mm,
coalesce into a single drop. Find the change in total
surface energy. (Surface tension of water = 0.072
N/m) ( Ans : 1.446 x 10-7 J)
104. A horizontal circular loop of wire of radius 0.02
m is lowered into a crude oil from film. The force
due to surface tension of the liquid is 0.0113 N.
Calculate the surface tension of crude oil.
( Ans : 44.95 dyne/cm)
105. The tube of a mercury barometer is 1 cm in
diameter. What correction due to capillary with
effect of minutes is to be applied to barometer
reading if surface tension of mercury is 435.5
dyne/cm and angle of contact of mercury with glass
is 140°?
( density of mercury = 13600 kg/m3 )
( Ans : + 0.2668 cm)
106.A glass tube has inner diameter of 1 mm. outer
diameter of 1.1 mm. It is kept vertical and partially
dipped in water. Calculate the downward pull due to
surface tension. (Surface tension of water = 75
dyne/cm) ( Ans : 49.49 dyne)
107. The total energy of the free surface of a liquid
drop is 2 𝜋 times the surface tension of the liquid.
What is the diameter of the drop?
(Assume all terms in SI units) ( Ans : 1.414 m)
108.Calculate the density of paraffin oil, if glass
capillary of diameter 0.25 mm dipped in paraffin oil
of the surface tension 0.0245 N/m rises a height of 4
cm. (angle of contact of paraffin oil with glass is 28°
and g = 9.8 m/s2 ) ( Ans : 882.9 kg/m3 )
109. What should be the diameter of a soap bubble,
in order that the excess pressure inside it is 51.2
N/m2 ? ( S.T. of soap solution = 3.2 x 10-2 N/m)
( Ans : 5 mm)

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