SURFACE TENSION

Total number of Questions in Surface Tension are :

In Chapter Examples ............................................................ 11

Solved Examples .................................................................. 26

Total no. of questions ......................................................... 37

1. INTRODUCTION
1. Surface tension is property of fluid. (liquid)
2. Liquid surface behaves like a stretched elastic
membrane which has a natural tendency to
contract & tends to have a minimum possible
area. This property of liquid is called surface
tension.
Ex. When shaving brush is taken out from water,
its hairs contracts.
1.1 Definition :
The surface tension of a liquid is defined as the
force per unit length in the plane of the liquid
surface acting at right angles on either side of an
imaginary line drawn in that surface.
(A) Let an imaginary line AB be drawn in any
direction in a liquid surface. The surface on
either side of this line exerts a pulling force,
which is perpendicular to line AB.
If force is F & length of AB is L.
F
then T =
L quantities in a liquid, its surface tension
(B) UNITS :
(i) N/m (ii) dyne/cm (iii) J/m 2
(iv) erg/cm 2
(C) Dimension : M1 L0 T -2
(D) At constant temperature surface tension is
equal to the work done per unit increase in
surface area of free liquid surface.
W e.g. (i) On mixing detergent in water its
so T =
A
Where w is work and A is increase in
area.
Ex.1 The length of a needle floating on water is
2.5 cm. Calculate the added force required
to pull the needle out of water.
T = 7.2 x 10-4N/m
Sol. The force of surface tension F = T.2
Two free surface]
F = 7.2 × 10-4 × 2 × 2.5 × 10–2 = 3.6 × 10–3N
Ex.2 A film of water is formed between two straight
parallel wires each 10cm long and at
separation 0.5cm. Calculate the work required
to increase 1mm distance between wires.
[T = 72 × 10–3N/m]
Sol. Initial surface area = 2 × length × separation.
= 2 × 10 × .5 = 10cm 2 = 10 × 10–4m 2
Final surface area = 2 × 10 × (.5 + .1)
= 2 × 10 × .6 cm 2
= 12 × 10–4 m 2
The required work = w = T A
= 72 × 10–3(12 × 10–4 – 10 × 10–4)
= 144 × 10–7J.
Note: Additional potential energy of molecules per
unit area of surface layer of liquid is defined as
surface energy, which is equal to surface tension.
2. DEPENDENCE OF SURFACE TENSION
1. Cohesive forces
Those factor which increases cohesive force
between molecules increases surface tension
& those decreases cohesive forces between
molecules decreases surface tension.
2. Impurities
If the impurity is completely soluble then on
mixing it in the liquid, its surface tension
increases.
e.g. On dissolving ionic salts in small
increase on dissolving salt in water, its surface
tension increases.
3. Solubility of impurity
If the impurity is partially soluble in a liquid
then its surface tension decreases, because
adhesive force between insoluble impurity
molecules & liquid molecules decreases
cohesive force effectively
surface tension decreases.
(ii) Surface tension of water is more than
(alchoal + water) mixture.
4. On temperature
On increasing temperature surface tension
decreases. At critical
temperature & boiling T
point it becomes zero. 

 5. On the medium
Present on the other side of liquid surface.
6. On contamination :
The dust particles or lubricating materials on
the liquid surface decreases its surface
tension.
7. On electrification :
The surface tension of a liquid decreases due
to electrification because a force starts acting
due to it in the outward direction normal to
free surface of liquid.
3. EXPLANATION OF SURFACE TENSION
1. Laplace explained the phenomenon of surface
tension on the basis of inter molecular forces
2. If the distance between two molecules is less
than the molecular range C(10–9m) then they
attract each other, but if the distance is more
than this then the attraction becomes negligible.
3. If a sphere of radius c with a molecule as
centre, is drawn, then only those molecules
which are enclosed with in this sphere can
attract or be attracted by the molecules at
the centre of the sphere This is called 'sphere
of molecular activity'
4. In order to understand the tension acting in
the free surface of a liquid, let us consider
four liquid molecules like A, B, C, D along
with their spheres of molecular activity.
Liquid Surface
A
B 10.
c C
x y
D decrease so on increasing in surface area
(a) According to fig. D sphere is completely
inside liquid so molecule is attracted
equally in all direction hence resultant
force is equal to zero.
(b) According to fig: sphere of molecule C is
directly below liquid surface, so resultant
force is equal to zero
(c) The molecule B which is a little below the
liquid surface is more attracted downwards
due to excess of molecules downwards.
Hence the resultant f orce is acting
downwards.
(d) Molecule A is situated at surface so that
its sphere of molecular activity is half
outside the liquid and half inside. Only
down portion has liquid molecule. Hence
it experiences a maximum downward
force. Thus all the molecules situated
between the surface and a plane XY,
distant C below the surface, experience
a resultant downward cohesive force.
5. When the surface area of liquid is increased
molecules from the interior of the liquid rise
to the surface, As these molecules reach
near the surface, work is done against the
downward cohesive force. This work is stored
in the molecules in the form of potential
energy. Thus the potential energy of the
molecules lying in the surface is greater than
that of the molecules in the interior of the
liquid.
6. A system is in stable equilibrium when its
potential energy is minimum.
7. Hence in order to have minimum potential
energy the liquid surface tends to have
minimum number of molecules in it. In other
words the surface tends to contract to a
minimum possible area. This tendency is
exhibited as surface tension.
8. More cohesive force more surface tension will
be maximum.
9. For mercury cohesive force is maximum so
surface tension is also maximum.
When surface area of liquid is increased,
molecules from the interior of the liquid rise
to the surface. For this work is done against
the down ward cohesive force. As result, its
potential energy increases & internal energy
cooling occurs. If liquid temperature remain
same, then extra energy may be given by
external agency. So the molecules in the
surface have some additional energy due to
their position. This additional energy per unit
area of the surface is called 'surface energy'.
4. EXAMPLE OF SURFACE TENSION
(A) Small drops of mercury are spherical while
large ones are flat.
(B) Floatation of needle on water.
(C) Sitting of mosquitoes on rainy water.
(D) Formation of bigger soap bubbles in
comparison to water.
 (5) Dirty clothes become clear in hot detergent
solution in comparison to water.
(6) Spraying results in coldness.
(7) Formation of lead shots.
(8) Oil is used to set down the turbulent sea
waves.
(9) Inside the water the hairs of the brush remain
separated from each other, but when the
brush is taken out, the hairs stick together.
(10) Dancing of camphor on water.
(11) It is difficult of separate two glass plates
between which a water film is enclosed.
(12) Hot tomato soup is more tasteful than then
cold soup.
(13) The surface tension of wound ointment &
tooth paste is less than that of water.
(14) The ends of glass tube becomes rounded on
heating.
(15) To remove oil spot from a cloth, petrol is
applied only on the boundary of spot and not
on the whole spot.
(16) Mosquitoes are killed when kerosene is
sprayed on water surface in tanks or ponds.
(17) Filling of ink in fountain pen through nib.
(18) Ploughing of field to hold moisture.
(19) Spreading and sucking process of ink on the
newspaper.
5. Relation between surface tension & work
done in increasing the surface area
Let a liquid film be formed between a bent wire
ABC & a straight wire PQ.
Free surface of liquid have tendency to contract
due to surface tension. Thus wire PQ moves up.
To keep this in equilibrium, Force F is imposed.
By practical results. F  2
Note: liquid film has two free surface
 F = T2 , T is constant which is called
surface tension.
Now if wire is displaced by x,
then work w = Fx = T(2) (x)
(2 ) (x) = Total increase in area.
W = T (increase in area) = T  A
W
T =
A
W is work done against surface tension.
5.1 Problem based on W = T(A) :
(A) Liquid drop case : (Only one free surface)
changing radius r1 to r2 : (r2 > r1)
initial area A1 = 4r12
Final area A2 = 4r22
A = 4 (r22 – r12)
 Work done against surface tension to
increase area = T A = 4T (r22 – r12)
(B) Soap bubble case :- (Two free surface)
changing radius r1 to r2  (r2 > r1)
work done against surface tension to increase
area = TA = T × 2 × 4 (r22 – r12)
W = 8 T(r22 – r12)
Ex.3 Calculate the work done against surface
tension in blowing a soap bubble from a radius
10cm to 20cm if the surface tension of soap
solution is 25 x 10-3 N/m. & then compare it
with liquid drop of same radius.
Sol. (i) for soap bubble :
original total surface area
= 2 × 4r12 = 2 ×x 4 (0.1)2m2 (as soap
bubble has two surface)
Final total surface area.
= 2 x 4r22 = 2 x 4 x (0.2)2 m 2
Therefore,
extension in area = 2 x 4 [0.22 – 0.12]
= 0.24m 2
Now work done.
W 1 = surface tension x extension in area
W 1 = 25 x 10-3 x 0.14
W 1 = 6 x 10-3 J
(ii) for liquid drop :
As there will be one free surface so in this case
extension in area will be half of soap bubble.
1
 W2 = W = 3 x 10-3J
2 1
Note: It is always true that work done would be half
in case of liquid drop case in comparison to soap
bubble case.
 = 4 [100 × 10-4 – 10–4]
6. SPLITTING OF BIGGER DROP INTO SMALLER
= 4 [99 × 10–4] m 2
DROP
W = TA
(i) If bigger drop is split into smaller drop then in = (32 × 10–2) (4 × 3.14 × 99 × 10–4)
this process always volume of liquid remains = 3.98 × 10–2 J.
conserve.
Let bigger drop have R radius. It is splitted into 7. FORMATION OF BIGGER DROP BY A NUMBER
n smaller drop of radius r, by conservation of OF SMALLER DROPS
volume;
When n smaller drops each of radius r are
3
4 4 R  R combined to form a bigger drop of radius R, then
R3 = n ( r3)  r = 1/ 3  n =  
3 3 n  r (A) The area of bigger drop decreases.
(ii) Initial area = 4R2 (B) Volume of bigger drop = volume of n smaller
drops.
Final area = n(4r2)
Change in area A = n4r2 – 4R2 4 4
R3 = n r3
= 4(nr2 – R2) 3 3
Work done against surface tension w = 4(nr2 – R2) 3
 R R
w = 4T (nr2 – R2)  n =    r =
 r n 1/ 3
= 4R2 T(n1/3 – 1)
(C) In this process, energy is released.
R  (D) Increase in temperature of the bigger drop
= 4R2 T   1
r
3T 1 1
t =   
1 1 Jsd  r R
w = 4R3 T   
r R d = density of liquid
(iii) In this process temperature of system decreases, s = specific heat
energy gets absorbed.
4T
(iv) Surface area of drop increases. (E) Released energy = (nr2 – R2) cal
J
(v) If work is not given by external source then
internal energy of liquid decreases, subsequently This is nothing but work done in work unit
temperature decreases. This is the reason = 4T (nr2 – R2) Joule.
spraying causes cooling. Ex.5 A big drop is formed by coalescing 1000 small
3T  1 1  droplets of water. What will be the change in
Decrease in temperature d =    surface energy. What will be the ratio between
Jsd  r R 
the total surface energy of the droplets and
d = liquids density, S = liquid's specific heat.
the surface energy of the big drop?
Ex.4 A mercury drop of radius 1.0cm is sprayed Sol. by conservation of volume.
into 106 droplets of equal size. Calculate the
energy expanded (T = 32 × 10–2N/m) 4 4 3
R3 = n × r
Sol. Let R be the radius of drop and r the radius 3 3
of each droplet. 4 4 3
R3 = 1000 × r
Volume of one big drop = volume of 106 3 3
droplets R = 10r  r = R/10
Surface energy of 1000 droplets
4 4 3
R3 = 106 × r . = n [T × 4r2]
3 3
2
 R = 100 r  R
= 1000 [T × 4   ]
 10 
R 1cm 10 2 m
r = = = = 10–4m = 10 (T × 4R )2
100 100 100
increase in surface area - Surface energy of the big drop = T x 4R2
A = 106 × 4r2 – 4R2 Thus surface energy will decrease in the
= 4 [106 × (10–4)2 – (10–2)2] process of formation of bigger drop, hence
energy is released & temperature increases.
 Total surface energy of 1000 droplets = 4 (n1/3 – 1)R2
Surface energy of the big drop = 4 (100 – 1)10–6
 Energy spent = TA
10(T4R 2 ) 10
= 2 = = 4 × 99 × 10–6 × 72 × 10–3 J
T x 4R 1
= 89.5 × 10–6 J
Examples 8. EXCESS PRESSURE INSIDE A CURVED LIQUID
based on Surface area and energy
SURFACE
Ex.6 Two parallel wires each of length 10 cm are
0.5 cm apart. A film of water is formed Reason to explain excess pressure :
between them. If surface tension of water is The pressure on the concave side of curved liquid
72 dynes/cm the work done in increasing the surface is greater than that on the convex side.
distance between the wires by 1 mm will be - This is the reason why pressure difference exists
across two sides of a curved surface.
(A) 1.44 × 10–7 J (B) 7.2 × 10–5 J
(C) 1.44 × 10–5 J (D) 7.2 × 10–3 J Case : A
Excess pressure inside a soap bubble
Sol. [C]
= Pressure inside the bubble - outside pressure
By increasing the distance between the wires
by 1 mm the increase in area of the film. soap bubble has two free surface
A
A = 2 × 0.1 × 10–3 = 2 × 10–4 m 2
(Film has two surfaces)
Work done = TA = 72 × 10–3 × 2 × 10–4 J
= 144 × 10–7 J = 1.44 × 10–5 J
Ex.7 A ring mass of 1 gm and radius 3 cm is in
2×T×2 r
the surface of a liquid of surface tension
8 × 10–2 N/m. The force required to take out
the ring from the surface of liquid will be -
(A) 4 × 10–2 N (B) 3 × 10–2 N
(C) 1.5 × 10 N–2 (D) zero
Sol. [A] B
(A) one is exposed to outside air
The force required to pull out the ring
(B) another to inside air.
= weight of ring + force due to surface tension
Balancing atmospheric pressure = surface
= mg + 2 × 2r × T tension at 2 free surface soap surface has
= 10–3 × 9.8 + 4 × 3.14 × [2 free surfaces]
3 × 10–2 × 8 × 10–2 4T
P × r2 = 2 × T × 2r  P =
= 4 × 10–2 N r
Ex.8 A water drop of radius 1 mm is broken into Case : B
106 identical drops. Surface tension of water Excess pressure in air bubble inside a liquid:
is 72 dynes/cm. The energy spent in this Here only one free surface which is exposed to
process is - inside air of bubble.
(A) 1.24 × 10–6 J (B) 9.96 × 10–6 J A
(C) 89.5 × 10 J–6 (D) 96.4 × 10–6 J
Sol. [C]
As volume of water remains constant, so
4 4 3
R3 = r n P ×  r2 T × 2r
3 3
R
or r = 1/ 3
n
Increase in surface area
   A = n(4r2) – 4R2
B
 Balancing liquid pressure = surface tension at If curvature are in same direction
one free surface
P x r2 = T x 2r [one free surface] r2
r1
2T
P =
r
1 1 
Case : C P = T r  r 
 1 2
Excess pr. in a liquid drop
Form above.
T
For cylindrical surface P =  r1 = r, r2 = 
r
r 2T
For spherical surface P =  r1 = r2 = r
r + r r
Liquid Note: 1
(A) Always for liquid surface one free surface
here, one free surface exposed to air is taken
Balancing atm pressure = surface tension at one (B) Always for liquid film two tree surface is
free surface taken.
Note: 2
2T
P × r2 = T x 2r, P = For liquid surface, pressure on concave side
r is always hight than convex side.
Case : D
If curvature are in mutually opposite direction Low Pressure
High
High Pressure
Pressure
r1 r2
Low Pressure

1 1 Convex surface concave surface

P = T r  r 
 1 2
Case: E

Table :

Case Liquid drop in air Air bubble in liquid Soap bubble

film
Figure

Free surface 1 1 2

2T 2T 4T
Pressure excess
r r r
P ex
2T 2T 4T
Total pressure P P0 + P0 + P0 +
r r r
8.1 General note : Ex.10 Two separate air bubbles (r 1 = .002cm,
(A) When two soap bubble coalesce, Then the radius r2 =.004cm) formed of same liquid T=0.07N/m
of curvature of common surface come together to form a double bubble. Find
r1 r2 the radius and sense of curvature of the
r = r  r , where r1 < r2 internal film surface common to both the
2 1 bubbles.
(B) When two soap bubble of radii r1 & r2, combine
r1 r2
to form a new bubble in vaccum under isothermal Sol. r = r r
2 1
condition, its radius is given by r = r12  r22
0.002 x .004
Explanation of general note (A) : r = .004  .002 = .004m
4T
Excess pressure in first bubble P1 = r
1
4T
Excess pressure in second bubble P2 = r
2
Excess pressure on common surface P = P1–P2
if radius of curvature of common surface is r,
4T As the excess pr. is always towards concave
P = surface & pressure in smaller bubble is
r
greater than larger bubble, the comman
 P = P1 – P 2 surface is concave towards the centre of the
4T 4T 4T smaller bubble.
= r – r
r 1 2
9. NATURE OF LIQUID SURFACE
1 1 1
= – When a liquid is brought in contact with a solid
r r1 r2
surface, the surface of the liquid becomes curved
r1 r2
r = r r near the place of contact. The nature of the
2 1 curvature (concave or convex) depends upon the
Explanation of general note (B) : relative magnitudes of the cohesive force between
At isothermal condition :  PV = 0 the liquid molecules & the adhesive force between
P1V1 + P2V2 = PV the molecules of the liquid and those of the solid.
4 4T 4 4T 4 3
Note: The cohesive force acts at an angle of 45º
4T
. r13 + r r23 = . r from liquid surface where as the adhesive force
r1 3 2 3 r 3 acts at right angles to the solid surface
r = r12  r22 Mercury
Ex.9 What would be the pr. inside a small air FA
bubble of 1.0mm radius situated just below
the surface of water. T = 72 x 10-3N/m
FR FC
Atm.pr.= 1.013 × 105 N/m 2
2T Glass
Sol. Excess pr. Pex =
r
2 x 72 x 10 3
Pex = = 1440 N/m2 FC
1 x 103 When FA > , then liquid surface will be
2
For air bubble in water As on free surface concave
Since the bubble is just below the water FC
surface, the external pressure on it is equal When FA = , then liquid surface will be plane
to the atm pressure P Hence the pressure 2
inside the bubble. FC
P + Pex = 1.013 x 105 + 1440 When FA < , then liquid surface will be
2
= 1.0274 x 105N/m 2
convex.
 9.1 Shape of liquid surface in capillary tube for various solid liquid pair :

Q FA Q FA 45º
Q FA P

45º Fc 45º
Fc Fc
Fig R S
R
R S

Water

FC FC
FA v/s F C F A > F C/ 2 FA < FA =
2 2
Solid liquid pair Glass water Glass mercury Silver water
Angle of contact  < 90º  > 90º     = 90º

10. ANGLE OF CONTACT

(G) For all those liquids which do not wet a solid
(A) The angle inside the liquid between the tangent surface and which depress in a capillary tube,
to the solid surface and the tangent to the liquid the angle of contact is an obtuse angle (90º  
surface at the point of contact is called the angle
of contact for that pair of solid & liquid. FC
< 180º) & FA 
(B) For a particular liquid - solid pair, angle of contact 2
remain constant. e.g. glass & mercury.
(C) Dependence of angle of contact : (H) For all those liquid which neither rise nor get
(a) The nature of solid & liquid in contact depressed in a capillary tube, the angle of
(b) The given pair of liquid & the solid. contact is right angle ( = 90º)
(c) The impurities FC
(D) Angle of contact does not depend upon the FA =
2
inclination of the solid in the liquid.
e.g. silver & water
(E) Its value lies between 0º and 180º.
(F) For all those liquids which wet the solid surface
and which rise up in a capillary tube, the angle
FC
of contact is an acute angle ( <90º) & FA >
2
e.g. water & glass

Table for angle of contact of various solid - liquid pair.

Solid - liquid pair Angle of contact

Pure water & clean glass 0º
Ordinary water & glass 8º
Water & silver 90º
Mercury & glass 135º
Alcohal & glass 0º
10.1 Capillary tube in a vessel for various solid and liquid pair :

Fig

Menisces concave plane convex

Angle of contact              <90  =90  > 90º

Level Rises No rise No fall Fall

Angle of contact : Dependence's f actor 11. CAPILLARY TUBE & CAPILLARITY

discussion
(A) A glass tube with fine bore and open at both
1
cos  ends is known as capillary tube.
T
(B) The property by virtue of which a liquid rises or
(A) Effect of temperature : On increasing temperature depresses in a capillary tube is known as
surface tension decreases, thus cos increases, capillarity.
plans  decrease. (C) (i) For those liquid & solid  < 90º, Rises in
So on increasing temperature,  decreases. capillary tube.
(B) Effect of impurities : (ii) These wets capillary tube.
(1) Solute impurities increases surface tension, so FC
cos decreases & angle of contact increases. (iii) Fa >
2
(2) partially solute impurities decreases surface
(iv) Shape of meniscus : Concave.
tension, so angle of contact  decreases.
(D) (i) For those liquid & solid  = 90º, neither rise
Examples
nor fall in capillary tube
based on Excess pressure & angle of contact
(ii) These doesn't wet capillary tube only touches.
Ex.11 The ratio of excess pressure inside drops of FC
water of diameters 2.0 mm and 20 m is - (iii) Fa =
2
(iv) Shape of meniscus : Plane
1 1
(A) (B) (E) (i) For those liquid & solid  > 90º, liquid falls
10 100
in capillary tabe.
1 1 (ii) These doesn't wet capillary tube .
(C) (D)
1000 10000 FC
Sol. [B] (iii) Fa <
2
(iv) Shape of meniscus convex.
2T
Excess pressure inside a drop pex =
r 11.1 Capillary Action :
M  2T 
p1 2 r2 20  10 6 P  
 = = A'  R 
p2 2 r1 2  10 3  2T  h
P  
 R 
1 P P P P
= 10–2 = P P B PA
100 A
Water
 11.3 Zurin's Law :
P
P A P The height of liquid risen in a capillary tube is
 2T  B inversely proportional to the radius of capillary
 P  
 R  h tube, if T, , d, g are constant
P
1
B' h   r h = constant
r
it means liquid will rise more in capillary tube of
less radius.
(a)  2T  (b)
 P   12. JAGER'S METHOD
 R 

Capillarity hight Determination :

(A) By pressure balance :
2T 2T
hg =  h = gR
R
R = curvature radius of free surface :
2T cos
R = r/cosh rg (P +gH) – (P+gh) = 2T/r
(B) By balancing force : (A) In this method the variation of surface tension
Liquid will continue to rise in capillary tube until with temperature can be studied.
liquid column's weight does not equal to force (B) If manometer & vessel contains same liquid then
(vertical) due to surface tension. H > h.
(T cos)2r = (r2)hg (C) In this method there is no need to determine
angle of contact.
2T cos
h = (D) The effect of impurities on surface tension can
rg
be studied.
11.2 Measurement of true h by force balance :
Real volume of liquid column. 13. VARIOUS CASES RELATED TO SURFACE
= (volume of cylinder of height h)+(volume of TENSION
cylinder of height r)-
(A) If a capillary tube is dipped into a liquid and tilted
(volume of half sphere of radius r)
at an  from vertical, then the vertical height of
liquid column remains same where as the length
of liquid column in the capillary tube increases.

R
h
h  =
cos  h
2 3
= r2h + r2r – r
3
2T cos
 Vreal = r2 (h + r/3)  (h + r/3) = rg
Water
hreal = hnormal – r/3
r h = l cos
 << h  we neglect it
3 l = h/cos
2T cos 2T (B) In side a satellite, water will rise up to top level but
 h  or h = do not come outside. Radius of curvature increases
rdg rdg (r') in such away that final height h' is reduced &
hr
given by h' = 1 . It is according to zurin law..
r
(C) If a hollow sphere of radius r which has a fine (9) Addition of detergent to a liquid decreases
hole, drowned in a vessel upto h depth, then the angle of contact and hence the surface
liquid will not enter upto height h, is given by. tension also decreases.
(10) Rise of liquid in a capillary tube does not
2T cos
hdg = violate law of conservation of energy.
r
(11) Radius of a soap bubble increases whether a
(D) Parallel plates of Area A, needs force F to positive or a negative charge is given to the
separate t distance bubble.
O R (12) It a bubble is formed inside a liquid, the
A B
pressure inside the bubble is more than the
t pressure outside the bubble.
(13) Surface tension of a liquid is independent of
C D area of the surface.
2AT (14) Surface tension is a molecular phenomenon
F =
t and its root cause are the electromagnetic
(E) When a water film is enclosed between two glass forces.
plates, then hugh adhesive force acts between
(15) The explanation of surface tension was first
them & it becomes difficult to separate them.
given by laplace.
(F) Air will flow from bubble 1 to 2 if T2 & T 3 are
opened, because pressure in 1 is greater then 2. (16) If the amount of heat present in the liquid
surface per unit area is H, then the total
T1 surface energy is S = T + H
Where T is surface energy.
T2 T3 (17) As the size of bubble on the mouth of
capillary increases, the difference of liquid
levels in manometer tubes increases and
A B
consequently excess pressure increases.
(18) For a given length of perimeter, the area
enclosed by a circle is maximum.
(19) For a given volume the surface area of sphere
POINTS TO REMEMBER is minimum.
(1) Angle of contact increases on increasing
(20) Root cause of capillarity is the difference of
temperature.
pr. on two sides of curved surface of liquid.
(2) Angle of contact decreases on adding soluble
impurity to a liquid. (21) A liquid vaporises rapidly in vaccum. Hence
use of capillary tube is not possible in
(3) Angle of contact does not depend upon the
inclination of the tube. vaccurn.
(4) When a large number of drops combine to (22) When excess pr. is same then,
from a big drop then energy will be liberated T1 T2
because the surface area decreases. r2 = r2
(5) When a big drop is broken into large number (23) Relation between excess pressure radius
of small drops then energy is absorbed
volume
because the surface area increases.
PV
(6) A water proofing agent increases the angle of = constant
contact as well as the surface tension. r2
(7) A molecule in the surface of liquid possess (24) The difference of levels of liquid columns in
more potential energy than a molecule in the two limbs of a U tube of unequal radii r1 & r2
interior of a liquid. is
(8) The inter molecular force of attraction is 2T 1 1
inversely proportional to the eighth power of h1 – h2 = dg cos  r  r 
the intermolecular distance.  1 2
(25) Curve between h & r (31) The tendency of surface tension is to
maximize the ratio of volume to surface area.
(32) Height of liquid risen in the capillary tube
does not depend on the thickness of the tube.
(33) Cohesive force is responsible for surface
tension.
(34) Direction of force due to surface tension is
(26) The surface tension of alcohol is less than of along the free surface.
water. Hence when a drop of alcohol is (35) in fig (a) height is h, if it is bent then height
dropped on one side of a floating match stick, will remain same but length of liquid changes.
then it starts moving towards another side. It always increases depending upon the
direction of bent & its magnitude w.r.t. vertical
(27) It is difficult to fill mercury in the thermometer
axis. If capillary tube in fig (a) is inserted
because mercury depresses in it.
more inside or pulled outside height remains
(28) Small drops of fog act as a rigid body unchanged because height depends on
because the excess pressure inside it is balancing of two forces
 1 (a) Surface tension &
large  P 
 r (b) Weight of liquid column.
(29) Charging of a bubble :
+
+ +

+ +

+ +
+
-

Outward electro magnetic forces act on the Fig (a)

bubble due to which surface area of bubble
increases. Change may be both negatives
positive.
h
(30) A soap film is formed in a circular frame. A
loop of thread is lying on the film if the film
inside the loop is broken then the tension in
the thread will be 2rT. (Only one is free
surface) Fig (b)
(36) Cause of rise of oil in a lamp wick is capillary
action, not surface tension because in the
wick infinite number of small capillaries are
formed to suck oil, due to pressure difference.
 SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 A drop of oil placed on the surface of water
spreads out, but a drop of water placed on
oil contracts to a spherical shape. Explain
both the phenomena.
Sol. The cohesive force between oil molecules is
less than the adhesive force between water
molecules & oil molecules so the oil placed F = 4 × 60 × 15 = 3600 Dyne.
on the surface of water spreads out. On the Ex.5 A liquid film is formed over a frame ABCD as
other hand the cohesive force between water shown in figure wire CD can slide without
molecules is greater than adhesive force friction. The mass to be hung from CD to
between water molecules & oil molecules. keep it in equilibrium is A B
Ex.2 Why are the droplets of mercury when (A) Tl/g
brought in contact pulled together to form a (B) 2Tl/g
bigger drop? Also state with reasons whether D C
the temperatures of this bigger drop will be (C) g/2T
l
the same or more or less than the (D) T x 
x y
temperature of the smaller drop. Sol. [B]
Sol. The two droplets pulled together to form a Let mass be m to keep in equilibrium, then
bigger drop due to cohesive force. The condition of equilibrium to be satisfied.
temperature of bigger drop increases as the Weight = surface tension force.
surface area decreases.
mg = 2 × TL
Ex.3 A wire of mass 0.3 gm lying horizontal on
the surface of water. The maximum length of 2TL
wire so that it may not sink, will be : m = g
(T = 70 x 10-3N/m) Ex.6 The work done in blowing a soap bubble of
(A) 0.01cm (B) 0.021m radius a under isothermal conditions is (the
(C) 0.21cm (D) 0.0021cm. surface tension of soap film is)
Sol. [B] (A) 4  a2T (B) 8  a2T
Balancing Surf ace tension f orce = (C) 16  a2T (D) 2  a2T
Gravitational force Sol. [B]
2TL = mg W = 2TA
= 2T(4a2)
.3 x 10 3 x 9.8
L = = 8a2T
2 x 70 x 103
Ex.7 A paper disc of radius R from which a hole
L = 0.021m. of radius r is cut out, is floating in a liquid of
Ex.4 One cubic plate, having 15 cm side, floats surface tension T. The force on the disc due
on water surface. If surface tension of water to surface tension will be.
is 60 dyne/cm. To lift this plate from water, (A) RT (B) (R + r)T
extra force required against weight. (C) 2 T (R + r) (D) 4T (R + r)
(A) 900 (B) 3600
F
(C) 1800 (D) 0 Sol. [C] T = . ...(1)
L
 L = 2R + 2r, L = 2 (R + r) ....(2)
Sol. [B]
Force required will be surface tension force. F
From equation (A) and (B), T = 2( R  r )
F = 4 × TL ( Four free surface)
F = 2 (R + r) T
Ex.8 An air bubble of radius r is formed inside a
tank of water at depth h, the atmospheric T 1 1 6T  1 1 
(A)    (B)   
pressure is equal to a water column of height 6d  r R  d  r R
H. The pressure inside the bubble is .
6T  1 1  6T  Rr 
(C)    (D)  
d  r R d  R  r
h
Sol. [B]
Change in area
dA = 4 (nr2 – R2)
 energy evolved E
2T
(A) H + h (B) H + h + TdA = 4T (nr2 – R2)
r
4T 4T But nr3 = R3
(C) H + h + (D) H + h +
r r
Sol. [B]  R3 2 2
 1 1 
 E = 4T  3 r  R  = 4TR3   
Excess pressure for air bubble in liquid Pex r  r R
2T
= 1
r According to question E = Mv 2
2
Liquid pressure on air bubble = h
Atm. pressure on air bubble = H 1 1 1 4
 Pressure inside the bubble = H + h + Pex  4TR3    = x R3 dv 2.
r R 2 3
2T
= H+ h+ .
r 6T  1 1 
 v =   
Ex.9 A 15cm x 6cm x 0.1 cm slide is suspended d  r R
with its longest side vertical. 10% part of this
slide is dipped into the water. In this state its Ex.11 Drops of liquid of density d are floating half
apparent weight is equal to its real weight. immersed in a liquid of density . If the surface
The surface tension of water in Newton/meter tension of liquid is T. then the radius of the
will be - drop will be -
(A) 72.3 (B) 72.3 × 10–3
3T 6T
(C) 0.0723 × 10–3 (D) 273 (A) (B)
g(3d  ) g ( 2 d  )
Sol. [B]
Force due to surface tension = Loss in weight
of the slide in water. 3T 3T
(C) g ( 2 d  ) (D) g(4d  3)
Force mg = TL
or Vdg = TL
Sol. [C]
1.5 × 6 × 0.1 × 1 × 980
Force due to surface tension on drop + force
= T × (6 + 6 + 0.1 + 0.1)
of buoyancy = Weight of drop.
15
. x 6 x 01
. x 980
 T = = 72.3 dyne/cm 1 4 3 4 3
12.2 2rT + × r g = r dg
2 3 3
= 0.0723 N/m
Ex.10 n small drops of radius r, combine to form a 3T
bigger drop of radius R, If the energy evolved r = g ( 2 d  )
provides kinetic energy to the drop then the
speed of the drop will be - (density of drop
= d and surface tension of liquid = T)
Ex.12 PQRS is a rectangular frame of copper wire Sol. [B]
shown in fig. The side RS of the frame is Amount of heat liberated =
movable. If a soap film is formed on it then Rise of potential energy of water in the
the diameter of the wire to maintain capillary of height h
equilibrium will be (given surface tension of = mass of the liquid risen x h/2
soap solution = 0.045 N/m and density of
copper = 8.96 x 103kg/m 3) r 2h.g.d h
Q = .
J 2
r 2 h 2 gd
Q =
2J
Ex.14 The ratio of radii of two soap bubbles is 1 :4
the ratio of excess pressures in them will be -
(A) 4 : 1 (B) 1 : 4
(C) 1 : 16 (D) 16 : 1
P1 r2
(A) 0.12 m (B) 1.2 cm Sol. [A]
(C) 1.2mm (D) 2.4 mm P2 = r1 ......(1)

Sol. [C] r1 1
Force due to surface tension = weight of wire According to question r = ......(2)
2 4
2T l = mg From equation (1) and (2)
2T l = volume x density x g P1 4
2Tl = r2 ldg P2 = 1
Ex.15 A metallic wire of density d floats horizontal
2T in water. The maximum radius of the wire so
 r2 = dg
that the wire may not sink, will be - (surface
tension of water = T)
2T 2T 2T
 r = ...... (1) (A) (B)
dg dg dg
According to question T = 0.045 N/m 2Tg
d = 8.96 x 103 kg/m 3. (C) (D) 2Tgd
d
g = 98 m/s2.
Sol. [A]
From eqs. (A) and (B)
The upward force due to surface tension must
be equal to the weight of wire.
2 x 0.045
r = . x 8.96 x 10 3 x 9.8
314  2Tcos = mg = r2l dg.
2T
r = 0.6 x 10-3 m  r = (  = 0º, cos = 1)
dg
r = 0.6mm
Ex.16 The ratio of excess pressures in two soap
diameter = 2r = 1.2 mm bubble is 3 : 1. The ratio of their volume will
Ex.13 A vertical capillary is brought in contact with be -
the water surface. What amount of heat is (A) 1 : 3 (B) 3 : 1
liberated while the water rises along the (C) 1 : 27 (D) 27 : 1
capillary? The wetting is assumed to be
1 P1 r2
complete? Sol. [C] P  P = r
r 2 1
r 2 h 2 gd  V  r 3
(A) 0 (B) Q =
2J
3 3 3
(C)  (D) None of these V1  r1   P2   1 1
  =  
V2 =  r2   P1 
=   =
 3 27
Ex.17 A glass rod of diameter d1 = 1.5 mm is Ex.19 In the bottom of a vessel with mercury there
inserted symmetrically into a glass capillary is a round hole of diameter d = 70m. At
tube with inside diameter d2 = 2.0mm. Then what minimum thickness of the mercury layer
the whole arrangement is vertically oriented will the liquid still not flow out through this
& brought in contact with the surface of water. hole?
To what height will the (A) 11cm (B) 22cm
1.5 (rod)
water rise in the capillary. (C) 21 cm (D) 23 cm.
(A) 1 cm Sol. [C]
(B) 2cm 4T 4T
(tube)
(C) 6cm hg =  h = dg [ At equilibrium]
d
(D) 4cm
Explanation :The pressure just inside the
Sol. [C] hole will be less than the outside pressure
2.0
Let h be the height of
4T
water inside the capillary. by , because mercury meniscus is
d
Total upward force tending P
convex.
to pull water supports the
 P1
weight of the water. P2
 T (2r1 + 2r2) = h(r22 – r12)g

2T(r1  r2 ) 2T 4T 4 x(490 x 10 3 )
h = = 21cm.
h = ( r 2  r 2 )g = ( r  r )g = (d  d )g (13.6 x 103 ) (70 x 106 ) x9.8
2 1 2 1 2
Ex.20 If the excess pressure inside a soap bubble
4 x 73x 103 is balanced by oil column of height 2mm,
h = = 6 cm. then the surface tension of soap solution will
. ) x 10 3
103 x9.8x(2  15
be - (r = 1cm and d = 0.8 gm/cc)
Ex.18 There is an air bubble of radius 1.0mm in a (A) 3.9 x 10–2 N/m (B) 3.9 N/m
liquid of surface tension 0.075N/m & density (C) 3.9 x 10–3dyne/cm (D) 3.9dyne/m
1000kg/m3. The bubble is at a depth of 10cm Sol. [A]
below the free surface. By what amount is
the pressure inside the bubble greater than 4T
= hdg
the atmospheric pressure? r
Take g = 9.8m/s2. According to question r = 10–2 m
(A) 1000Pa (B) 1130 Pa d = 0.8 x 103 Kg/m 3
(C) 1120Pa (D) 1100Pa g = 9.8 ms2
Sol. [B] h = 2 x 10-3 m
Let P be the atmospheric pressure. The T = ?
pressure P1 of the liquid just outside the From. equation
bubble is given by P1 = P + gh.
10 2 x 2 x 10 3 x .8 x 9.8 x 10 3
The pressure P2 inside the bubble is given T =
4
by T = 0.0392
2T 2T Ex.21 If a capillary tube is dipped in water in a
P2 = P 1 + = P + gh + state of weightlessness, how will the rise of
r r
water in it be different to that observed in
2T normal conditions.?
P2 – P = hg +
r Sol. In the state of weightlessness, The effective
2 x .075 weight of the water column raised in the tube
= 10 × 1000 × 9.8 + 1 x 10 3 will be zero. Hence water will rise upto the
other end of the capillary, however long the
= 1130 N/m2 = 1130 Pa. capillary may be.
Ex.22 If the capillary tube of insufficient length, will r
 R =
the water come out of the tube ? cos  r
Pressure difference across
(A) yes (B) No R R
2T
(C) Possible (D) None meniscus =
R
Sol. [B] Pressure difference
In a capillary tube, the height of the liquid 2T cos
column h balance the excess of =
r
2T Ex.25 0.4mm & 0.6mm Diameter tubes form a U
pressure , tube. What will be the difference between
R
water level? Surface tension T = 60 Dyne/cm
R = radius of meniscus.
(A) 2 cm (B) 2.3 cm
2T 2T (C) 3 cm (D) 2.04 cm
hg =  hR = g = constant
R Sol. [D] Let Angle of contact is zero for glass &
2T water.
for a liquid g is constant. So hR is also 4T 4T
for first tube, h1g = d cos 0º = d
constant. When h is small, R becomes larger 1 1
to adjust the value of hR Constant. 4T 4T
for second tube, h2g = d cos 0º = d
Ex.23 A capillary tube is of length 10cm. It is held 2 2
vertically with 1cm length inside water and 1 1
rest outside. The water level in the capillary g (h1 – h2) = 4T  d  d 
 1 2
stands at a height of 8cm, if the capillary is
4 x 60  1 1 
broken at the middle, what would be the h1 – h2 = 1 x 981  
position of  .04 .06 
water level = 2.038 = 2.04 cm.
in it ? Ex.26 Water rises in a capillary tube upto a height
8 10cm
of 10cm where as mercury depresses in it
(A) 4cm by 3.42cm. If the angle of contact and density
1cm
(B) 5cm of mercury are 135º and 13.6 gm/cc
(C) 3cm respectively then the ratio of the surface
(D) 2cm. tensions of water and mercury will be -
Sol. [A] (A) 6.5 :1 (B) 1: 6.5
(C) 1:5.6 (D) 5.6 : 1
As it is broken from middle water rises upto
maximum level which is possible 5cm in this rgh1d1
Sol. [B] Twater = 2 cos .... (1)
case. so above water surface height is 1
5cm – 1cm = 4cm. rgh 2 d 2
Tmercury = 2 cos .... (2)
(concept : hR Remains constant) 2
dividing eq. (1) by eq. (2)
Ex.24 Liquid reaches an equilibrium as shown in
figure in a capillary tube of internal radius r. Twater h1d 1 cos  2
Tmercury = h 2 d 2 cos 1
if the surface tension of the liquid is T. The
angle of contact  & the density of liquid  According to question
then the pressure difference between P & Q is h1 = 10cm, h2 = 3.42 cm.
(A) zero d1 = 1 gm/cc ; d2 = 13.6 gm/cc
1 = 0º and 2 = 135º.
 P
(B) 2T/R From equation
 Q
(C) 4T/R Twater 10 x 1 x cos135o

Tmercury = 3.42 x 13.6 cos 0 o
2T cos cos 135º = 0.71
(D)
r Twater 1
Sol. [D] Radius of curvature at meniscus.
Tmercury = 6.5
 r = R cos 