Description of Topic:

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To calculate the surface tension of a liquid using pins of varying lengths. The
formula F = 2sl is used, where 'F' is the force acting on the pin by the surface of
the liquid to keep it from sinking, 's' is the surface tension of liquid and 'l' is
the length of the pin.

Reason for choosing the topic:

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In ponds and lakes, I have noticed little arachnids called water-striders gliding
across the surface almost as they can walk on water. This phenomenon intrigues me
and through this experiment I hope I can gain some insight.

Sources of first hand study:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmagWO-kQ0M
https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/surface-tension-
and-water?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMzqiAuOSz0

Variables:
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Independent Variable: Length of needle (l)
Dependent Variable: Counter-Force (F)
Constant: Surface tension (s)

Proposed Methods:
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A needle of length 'l' is put on a sheet of paper and gently dipped into the
liquid. The needle should float, and the paper should sink. The liquid's density is
found by dividing its mass by its volume. The counter-force acting on the needle
'F' is found by subtracting the weight of the liquid displaced by the needle
(buoyant force acting on the needle) from the weight of the needle itself. The same
process is repeated for needles of varying lengths and the lengths are plotted
against corresponding values of counter-forces in a graph. The slope of the graph
divided by 2 is the surface tension of liquid.

Materials Required:
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Different pins/needles of varying lengths, a liquid whose surface tension is to be
calculated, kitchen weighing scale, measuring cup

Bibliography:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NCOnr3VSAY
https://www.britannica.com/science/surface-tension
https://www.thoughtco.com/surface-tension-definition-and-experiments-2699204
https://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/tension.html