PHYSICS - I C
SURFACE TENSION
* Surface Tension
* Surface Energy
2
* Angle of contact
* Capillarity
* Excess Pressure in a liquid drop
2.1 Introduction :
In gases the intermolecular distance is relatively
more. So the molecules are not influenced by
neighbouring molecules to hold them together. In
liquids the molecules are relatively nearer when
compared to gas molecules. So they are bounded
with intermolecular forces.
In liquids molecules exist approximately at a
distance of 10 –10 m. At these distances the
gravitational force of attraction is in the order of 10–50
N and the intermolecular forces are of the order of
10–11 N. So the molecules are held together mainly
due to intermolculer forces.
When molecules approach each other the
redistribution of charges on the molecules takes place
such that the average distances between unlike
charges is smaller than that between like charges. Thus
the electrostatic attraction dominates the repulsion. As
intermolecular forces are effective over short
distances these are called short range forces. They
do not obey inverse square law.
Molecular Range: The range of intermolecular
forces is the maximum distance upto which a
molecule can attract another molecule. Molecular
range is in the order of 10–9 m.
Sphere of influence : - The sphere imagined with
a molecule as center and molecular range as
radius is called sphere of influence.
Surface film : Surface film of a liquid is that
portion of the liquid on its surface which is present
between two parallel planes which are apart by a
distance equal to molecular range.
There are two types of molecular forces of
attraction among molecules. They are 1) forces of
adhesion or adhesive forces and 2) Forces of
cohesion or cohesive forces.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
SURFACE TENSION
(1) Adhesion: The force of attraction among the
molecules of different substances is called the
force of adhesion.
The examples of adhesion are the sticking of
glue to the wood, paint to the wall, water to the
fingers, chalk particles to the black board, etc. The
force of adhesion between the lubricating oil and
the parts of a machine plays an important role in
avoiding the wear and the tear of the machine.
Illustration: (i) A piece of paper sticks to
another due to large force of adhesion between the
paper and the gum molecules.
(ii) Paint sticks to wood (and other surfaces)
due to large force of adhesion between the
surfaces of wood and paint.
(iii) Because of the large force of adhesion
between cement and bricks, cement is used in
construction work.
(2) Cohesion: The force of attraction among
the molecules of the same substance is called the
force of cohesion.
Since the inter atomic distance is least in solids
compared to liquids and gases then the force of
cohesion is maximum in solids, lesser in liquids and
least in gases. It is for this reason that the solids have
definite shape and resist deforming forces.
Illustration: (i) The solids exhibit their rigid
character and definite shape due to strong force of
cohesion among the molecules. The presence of a
strong force of cohesion between the molecules of a
solid can be demonstrated by placing two blocks of
steel together after making their surfaces sufficiently
plain. If we try to pull them apart, a large force will
be required to do so.
(ii) It is due to large force of cohesion between
59
SURFACE TENSION PHYSICS - I C

mercury molecules that it does not wet the wall of
the container.
2.2 Surface Tension (Definition) :
Surface tension is defined as the tangential
force per unit length, acting at right angles on
either side of a line, imagined to be drawn on the
free liquid surface in equilibrium.
This is the property of a liquid by virtue of
which its free surface behaves like a stretched elastic
membrane, and supports weight of small objects
placed over it.
P Applications to the force of surface tension :
F F

Q
Let PQ be an imaginary line drawn tangentially
anywhere on the liquid surface , the force of surface
tension acts at right angles to this line on both sides
and also along the tangent to the liquid surface.
Let F be the total force acting at one side
of line. From definition of surface tension,
Force F
Surface Tension = T
Length l F  T  2 r 
Explanation : A blotting paper with a greasy
needle on it, is placed on the surface of water.
Gradually the paper absorbs water and sinks. But
the needle will keep floating since the surface of
water behaves as stretched elastic membrane.
In this case needle depresses the surface, and
weight of needle is balanced by upward surface
tension forces.
Example-2. Small insects can walk on surface of
water.
Here weight of insect is balanced by upward
surface tension forces.
Application 2.1 : The force required to lift the
floating bodies against force of surface tension is,
1) Wire or thin rod

F  T  2L
r
2) Circular disc

3) Circular loop

F  T 2  2 r  

S.I. Units : - Nm-1,

C.G.S.Units:-dyne cm-1
4) Square plate
-1 3 -1
1 Nm = 10 dyne cm
Dimensional formula = ML0T-2 F  T  4a 
Surface Tension is a scalar
Note : For numerical problems the above
formula is written as 5) Square loop
maximum surface tension force F = T [L]
= T [Length of body which is in
F  T  2  4a  
contact with liquid surface]
Example-1. A greasy needle floats on the surface of
water: 6) Rectangular plate F  T  2  l  b  

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7) Rectangular loop F  T  2  2  l  b    *Problem 2.2:

A circular disc of radius 7 / p cm is placed
8) Annular ring F  T  2  r1  r2   horizontally on the surface of water. Find the vertical
force required to separate it from the water surface.
9) Semi circular plate F  T  r  2r 
(Surface tension of water = 0.070N/m)
10) Elliptical plate F  T   a  b   Sol: The downward force on the circumference of
(here, a and b are the circular disc = T ´ 2p R
lengths of semi major Where R is the radius of the circular disc
and semi minor axes.) The vertical force required to separate it from
Application 2.2 : When a wire of length l (l>>r) the water surface = Downward force F = T ´ 2p R
and cross sectional radius r is kept floating on
7 7
surface of a liquid. Maximum radius of wire such T = 0.070N / m; R = cm = ´ 10- 2 m
that it may not sink. p p
Weight = maximum force of Surface Tension 7
F = 0.070´ 2 ´ p ´ ´ 10- 2 = 9.8´ 10- 2 N
Mg = T [2l] p
   r 2  l g  T  2l  Problem 2.3 :
[ r is the density of material of wire] A small piece of wire 4 cm long is floating
on the surface of water. If a force of 560 dynes in
2T 8T
rmax = ; d max = 2 rmax = excess of its wieght is required to pull it up from
pr g pr g
the surface, find the surface tension of water.
In this case surface tension acts up and helps
for floating. Sol : Length of wire l = 4cm
Note: In the above problem, for a given radius of Contact length of solid with liquid surface
the wire, whatever may be the length of the wire, it L =2 l
floats on liquid surface. = 8 cm
*Problem 2.1 : Surface tension
A wire PQ of length 5cm which is free to move to F 560
T  T   70 dyne/cm
and fro is attached to a rectangular frame ABCD as L 8
shown in figure. When this frame is dipped in a soap Surface tension of water = 70 dyne cm-1 = 0.07 Nm-1.
solution and raised. Find the force ‘F’ required to keep
the wire PQ in equlibrium. (Surface tension of soap Problem 2.4 :
Q
C D One annular metal ring of inner radius 7 cm
F and outer radius 14 cm and negligible weight is
= 4 x 10–2 Nm–1) B A floating on the surface of a liquid. If surface
P
tension of liquid is 0.08Nm-1, calculate the force
Sol : Length of the wire L = 5cm = 5 x 10–2 m
required to detach it from liquid surface.
Surface tension T = 4 x 10–2 Nm–1
Sol : The contact length of annular ring with
When the wire PQ is pulled towards BC, due to surface liquid surface L  2r1  2r2
tension (T) the force required to keep PQ in equilibrium is
22
F=T x 2L L  2   14  7  cm
7
= (4 x 10–2) x (5 x 10–2) x 2 L = 132 cm = 1.32 m
= 40 x 10-4 The force required, F = T(L) = 0.08  1.32
= 4 x 10-3 N F = 0.1056 N.

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Problem 2.5: 8.5 8.7

R1 = cm = 4.25 x 10–2 m; R2 = cm =
A wire is bent in the form of a “U” - shape 2 2
and a slider of negligible mass is connecting the 4.35 x 10–2 m.
two vertical sides of the U - shape. This 3.9´ 10- 3 ´ 9.8
T=
arrangement is dipped in a soap solution and 2p (4.25 + 4.35)´ 10- 2
lifted, a thin soap film is formed in the frame. It
3.97´ 9.8
supports a weight of 2.0  102 N . If the length of = ´ 10- 1 = 0.07199 N/m.
2p ´ 8.6
the slider is 40 cm, what is the surface tension of
the film ? *Problem 2.7 :.
A circular ring of radius 7cm is supported
Sol : W  2.0  10 2 N , l = 40 cm = 0.4 m horizontally from the pan of a balance, so that it
Upward force due to surface tension
comes in contact with the water in a glass vessel.
 T  2l What force will be required to detach it from the
In equlibrium, W  T  2l surface of water? (Surface tention of water =
0.072N/m.)
W 2  10 2
T   2.5  10 2 Nm 1 . Sol: Neglecting the thickness of the ring, the
2l 2  0.4
net downward force on the inner and outer
*Problem 2.6 : circumference of the ring due to surface tension =
A circular ring is cut from a platinum tube T ´ 2p (R + R)= T ´ 4p R .
of 8.5cm internal diameter and 8.7cm external T = 0.072N/m; R=7cm=7 x 10–2 m.
diameter and supported horizontally from the The vertical force required to detach it from
pan of a balance, so that it comes in contact with the water surface is
the water in a glass vessel. If an extra weight of
3.97g is required to pull it away from water, F = T ´ 4p R
calculate the surface tension of water. 22
= 0.072 ´ 4 ´ ´ 10- 2 = 6.336´ 10- 2 N .
Sol : When the ring is supported horizontally so 7
that it comes in cotanct with water, there will be 2.3 Explanation of Surface Tension on the basis
downward force due to surface tension. of molecular theory :
Consider a liquid taken in a beaker. PQ is its
Downward pull on the inner circumference of
free surface. P1Q1 is an imaginary plane parallel to
the ring = 2p R1 ´ T where R1 is the internal radius.
PQ. The separation between them is equal to
Downward pull on the outer circumference of molecular range. The liquid layer between PQ and
the ring = 2p R2 ´ T where R2 is the external radius. P1Q1 is called surface film. A, B and C are three
Total downward pull or force on the ring due to liquid moleucles at different depths. The circles
surface tension = T ´ 2p (R1 + R2 ). around them represent their spheres of influence.
If m is the mass of the extra load required to
pull it away, the load=mg, so that P B C Q
mg = T ´ 2p (R1 + R2 )
P1 Q1
mg
T = 2p (R + R )
1 2
A
m = 3.97 g = 3.97 x 10–3 kg; g = 9.8m/s2;

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PHYSICS - I C
1. The moleucle A is well below the liquid surface.
Its sphere of influence lies completely inside the liquid.
The molecule is attracted equally on all sides by other
moleucles in the sphere. Thus molecule A
experiences no resultant cohesive force.
2. The molecule B lies just below the free surface
PQ. Some part of its sphere of influence is outside
the liquid surface. It is clear that the number of liquid
molecules in the lower half of the sphere is more.
Hence molecule B, experiences a net downward
cohesive force.
3. Molecule C lies exactly on the liquid surface
and there are no liquid molecules in the upper half.
Hence there is maximum resultant downward force
on C
4. Thus it is clear that for a moleucle well below
the surface film there is no resultant force, but for all
moleucules on surface, the resultant force is maxi-
mum. Work is to be done against this downward
force to take the moleucle on to the surface film, this
work appears as potential energy of the moleucules.
If the number of molecules on the surface film is
large, potential energy is also high.
5. We know, that to have stable equilibrium, the
potential energy of the system must be minimum.
In an attempt to have minimum potential energy the
surface film of the liquid tries to have minimum
surface area. In trying to occupy least surface area
the surface film tends to contract. Thus the free
surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched elastic
membrane. i.e., the free surface is in a kind of tension.
This is the cause of surface tension.
6. When a molecule is displaced from inside the
liquid to the surface, work is to be done against the
inward resultant force. This work is stored in the form
of potential energy.Thus molecules in the surface
film possess additional potential energy.
2.4 Surface Energy: (Definition)
“ The additional potential energy due to the
molecular forces per unit surface area is called
surface energy. (or) The excess potential energy per
unit area of the surface film is called surface en-
ergy.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
SURFACE TENSION
Surface energy =
Potential energy due to molecular forces
Surface area
Its SI units is J / m2 . Its CGS unit is erg / cm 2
Its dimensional formula
 ML2T 2  0 2
=  L2    ML T 
 
A system in equilibrium tries to have the lowest
possible potential energy. For a liquid surface
to have minimum potential energy, the number
of molecules on the surface must be minimum.
This is achieved by decreasing the surface area
of the surface film.
2.5. Applications :
1. Take a frame of wire and dip it in soap solution
and take it out. A soap film will be formed in
the frame. Place a loop of wet thread gently on
the film. It will retain its form. Now, pierce the film
with a pin at any point inside the loop. The loop
immediately takes the circular shape, as if it were
equally pulled from all sides.
It is so because, the remaining soap film
(outside the thread loop) tries to have minimum
surface area due to surface tension and for a
given perimeter the area of the circle is
maximum.
2. When a shaving brush is just dipped in water,
its hair spread out. On taking out the brush from
water the water film between the hair brings
the hairs closer, due to surface tension. Hence,
the hairs of shaving brush when taken out of
water are pressed together.
3. When a molten metal is poured into water the
falling metal stream breaks up into tiny spheri-
cal balls. The spherical shape of the balls is due
to surface tension.
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SURFACE TENSION PHYSICS - I C

4. Ends of glass rod becomes round on heating F = T(2l)

5. Hair sets well when oil is applied. W= T (2lx). ........... (i)
6. A cubical ice block in gravity free space assumes =TA (Here 2lx=A is the increase in
a spherical shape upon melting due to surface the area of the film as it has two surfaces.)
tension. W/A=T
HNote : Rain drops are spherical in shape. This is But work done per unit area is surface energy.
because a liquid drop tries to have minimum surface Thus, surface tension is numerically equal to surface
area due to surface tension. For a given volume the energy.
surface of a sphere is minimum. Work done = T ´ [change in surface area]
HNote : Even though work is done to pull the sur- = T ( A)
face of a soap film to increase its surface area, the As there is no change in kinetic energy, the work
surface tension does not change as it is independant done by the internal force is stored as the potential
of surface area. energy of the new surface.
2.6. Relation between Surface Tension and Applications based on the above concept :-
Surface Energy : -
Consider a rectangular wire frame PQRS with Application-2.3: The work done to form a liquid
a sliding wire of length L as sho wn in the drop is 4p RT
figure. Assume that there is no friction between the Sol. W  T  A2  A1 
arms and the sliding wire. When the frame is dipped
in soap solution, a soap film is formed over the frame.  T  4 R 2  0  4 R 2T
The soap film appears to be thin but it consists of Application-2.4: The work done to increase the
several hundred thousands of molecular layers across radius of a liquid drop from R1 to R2 is
its thickness. The surface film has two free surfaces.
Due to surface tension the film will be pulled inwards. 4p T éêR22 - R12 ùú
ë û
If T is the surface tension of the soap solution, each
surface of the soap film will pull the sliding wire Sol. W  T  A2  A1 
parallel to itself with a force F=TL.
R  T  4 R22  4 R12 
S
Ft L Fe  4 T  R22  R12 

Q P Application-2.5: The work done to form a soap

The net force due to surface tension on the slid- bubble is 8p R 2 T .
ing wire due to the two surfaces in contact is given
by Sol. W = T (D A)
Ft = T(2L)
This force acts into the soap film and the sliding for soap bubble D A = 8p R 2 - 0 = 8p R 2
wire will be pulled inwards. To keep the sliding wire W = 8p R 2 T
in equilibrium an equal and opposite force Fe is to be
applied on the sliding wire as shown in fig. If the *Application-2.6: The work done to increase the
sliding wire is slowly displaced under isothermal radius of a soap bubble from R 1 to R 2 is
conditions by the force Fe through a distance x the
surface area of the film increases. Hence work is
(
8p R 22 - R12 T )
done against the surface tension force, Sol. W = 2T (A2 - A1 )
Work done = Force  displacement
W= F (x) = 2T ´ 4p (R22 - R12 )

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PHYSICS - I C SURFACE TENSION

W  8 T  R22  R12 
\ W1 = n2 / 3W
If R2 = 2R , R1 = R
The work done in increasing the volume from
W = 24p R 2T . “V” to “nV” is
Application-2.7: If “W” is the work done in blow- W1 – W = n2/3W – W
ing a soap bubble of radius “R”, the work done = (n2/3 –1)W
in blowing another bubble of radius “nR” is n2w Application-2.10 : If the work done to form a
Sol. W = 8p R T 2 liquid drop of volume V is W then the work done
2
to form another liquid drop of volume 2V will be
W1 = 8p (nR ) T Sol.
= n 2 ´ 8p R 2 T  4 3
W  4 R 2 T ; W  R 2 V  3  R 
\ W1 = n 2 W
 V 2/3
The work done to increase the radius of the soap 2/3
bubble from ‘R’ to ‘nR’ is, W1  V1 
 
W1 – W = n2W – W W2  V2 
= W(n2 – 1)
2/3
Application-2.8: If ‘W’ is the work done in W V 

blowing a soap bubble of surface area “A”, find W2  2V 
the work done in blowing another soap bubble
of surface area “nA”. W2  41/3 W 
Sol. W = 8 p R2T
W = AT [  A = 8p R 2 = Total surface area of Application-2.11: A liquid is in a container of
square cross section of side 'a'. Its surface en-
the bubble ]
ergy is
W1 = nAT
Sol. U = T [Free surface area]
\ W1 = nW = T [a2]
The work done to increase the surface area of a Application-2.12: A liquid is in a container of
soap bubble from A to nA is
cross section in regular hexagonal shape of side
W1 – W = nW – W
= (n–1)W. 'a'. Its surface energy is
Sol.
Application-2.9: If the work done in blowing a
soap bubble of volume ‘V’ is ‘W’, find the work Area of hexagon =6 x Area of equilateral traingle
done in blowing another soap bubble of volume 1æ a ö÷ a2
‘nV’. ç
= 6´ ç 3 ÷ ´ a = 6´ 3
2 çè 2 ø÷ 4
Sol. W = 8p R 2T (or) W a R2
U = T [Free surface area of a liquid]
4 3
V= p R (or) V a R 3 (or) Ra V 1/ 3
3
2
\ W a (V 1/ 3 )  3 2
U=T 6 a 
or W = CV2/3  4 
W1 = C(nV)2/3 a

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Application-2.123 : A liquid is in a container of Note : If the above splitting process occurs

circular cross section of radius “r”. It is shifted
to another container of square cross section of
side “a”, the work done against surface
tension is
Sol. W = T [A2 : A2]
T éêa 2 : p r 2 ùú
ë û
Application-2.14: The work done to split a big
liquid drop into identical small droplets.
r
isothermally temperature of system is constant.
If the splitting occurs adiabatically, the drop uses
its internal energy for splitting, so temperature of drop
decreases and the droplets cool.
Application-2.15 : When 'n' small droplets each
of radius 'r' are merged to form a big drop of
radius 'R', the work done by surface tension is
given by
Ans.When droplets are combined to form a big drop,
the surface area decreases i.e., work is done by sur-
face tension.

r
R
Sol. Mass is constant
R
4 4  Work done by surface tension
 R3   n   r 3  
3 3 
W  4 R 2T  n1/3  1 or W = 4p r T éëên - n ù
2 2/3
ûú
 R  n1/ 3 r (or) r = Rn- 1/ 3
HNote : If the above merging occurs isothermally
a) Surface area increases i.e. work is done against temperature remains constant. If merging occurs adia-
Surface tension. i.e. energy is supplied to system. batically internal energy of system increases and tem-
A  n 4 r 2  4 R 2 perature increases.

 4  nr 2  R 2  Application-2.16: A large number of liquid drops

each of radius “r” merge to form a single spheri-
é 2ù cal drop of radius “R”. The energy released in
= 4p r n - n 3 ú
ê 2 the process is converted into the kinetic energy
ê ú of the big drop formed. Find the speed of the big
ë û
b) Work done against Surface tension. drop (d is density of the liquid)
W = T [ A ] 1 1 
Energy released = W  3VT   ..... (1)
2 1/3  r R 
= T  4 R  n  1  If V is volume of big drop, M the mass of the drop
and  the density then
W  4 R 2T  n1/3  1 1 2
Kinetic energy = Mv
2
(or) W = 4p r 2T éëên - n 2 / 3 ùûú =
1
 V  v 2 ---(2)
2
4 3 (1) = (2)
If V   R =volume of big drop
3 1 1 
3VT    = 1  V  v 2
3VT 1/3 n 1 1/3
r R 2
W (n  1)  3VT (  )
R R R Simplifying
1 1  6T 1 1 
W  3VT    v   
r R  r R

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Application-2.17: If a number of little droplets of Solution

water, all of the same radius r, coalesce to form a Let ‘R’ be the radius of the water drop and ‘r’
single drop of radius R, the rise in temperature be the radius of each tiny drop of water
will be, (Where T is the surface tension of water \ R = 1cm = 10–2m, r = 1mm = 10–3 m
J is the mechanical equivalent of heat and ρ is density.) i) R = n1/3.r
1
JQ = W R
n3 =
1 1 r 3
J [MsD q ]= 3VT   
3
éR ù é10- 2 ù
r R \ number of tiny drops, n = êê úú = êê10- 3 úú
ër û ë û
\ n = 1000
J éër (V )sD qùû= 3VT  1  1 
r R \ number of tiny water drops formed = 1000.
ii) Increase in surface area
where ‘s’ is specific heat
D A = 4p (nr 2 - R 2 )
[For water s= 1 cgs unit]
= 4p éê1000 (10- 3 ) - (10- 2 ) ùú
2 2
Simplifying
ë û
3T 1 1  = 4 p ëê10 - 10 ûú = 4p ëê10 ´ 10- 4 - 10- 4 ùúû
é - 3 - 4ù é
   r  R 
J
= 36p ´ 10- 4 m 2
Application-2.18 : A drop of radius R is split under \ D A = 113.1´ 10- 4 m 2
isothermal conditions into ‘n’ droplets, each of iii) When a water drop is broken into 1000 tiny
radius ‘r’, the ratio of surface energies of big and water drops, we can notice from the above that
small drops is surface area is increased by, 113.1 x 10–4 m2. To
U big  4πR  T
2
é 1 ù increase this surface area work is to be done
= ê R = n 3 r ú \ work done = Increase in surface area x
U small  4πr  T
2 ê
ë
ú
û surface tension
2 = 113.1´ 10- 4 ´ 7´ 10- 2
R n r
2 1/3

= = =n 2/3 :1 = 79.17´ 10- 5 J

2 2
r r
**Problem 2.9 :
Application-2.19: Number of droplets are
combined isothermally to form a big drop, the A water drop of diameter 2mm is split up
ratio of initial and final surface energies are into 109 identical water drops. Calculate the work
done in this process. (The surface tension of
U i n  4πr  T nr 2 = nr =n1/3 :1
2 2

= = 2 water is 7.3 x 10–2Nm–1).

U f  4πR 2  T R 2  n1/3 r  Sol : Let a water drop of radius R be split up into 10 9
*Problem 2.8 : identical water drops each of radius r.
A water drop of radius 1cm is broken up D 2mm
R= = = 1mm = 1´ 10- 3 m
into tiny droplets of water, each of radius 1mm 2 2
(assume isothermal conditions). Surface tension Number of droplets n = 109
of water is 7 x 10–2Nm–1 Surface tension(T) = 7.3´ 10- 2 Nm - 1
i) Find the number of tiny drops formed
ii) Calculate the increase in the surfac area W = 4p R 2T éëên1/ 3 - 1ùûú
= 4p (10- 3 ) ´ 7.3´ 10- 2 éê(109 ) - 1ùú
2 1/ 2
in this process.
iii) Calculate the work done in breaking this ë û
drop into tiny drops. = 9.17 x 10–7J

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*Problem 2.10 :  7  10 3 m
Calculate the work done in blowing a soap W = A(T) = 8p r 2T
bubble of radius 2cm. Surface tension of soap 22
solution = 7 x 10–2 Nm–1 Þ W = 8´ ´ 49´ 10- 6 ´ 0.035
7
Solution:
r = 2cm = 2 x 10–2m W  4.312  10 6 J
Surface tension T = 7 x 10–2Nm–1 Problem 2.13 :
work done = surface area of soap bubble x
1000 drops of a liquid each of diameter 4
surface tension
mm coalesce to form a single large drop. If surface
= 8p r 2 T tension of liquid is 35 dyne cm-1. calculate the
22 2
= 8´ ´ (2´ 10- 2 ) ´ 7´ 10- 2 energy evolved by the system in the process.
7 Solution : Number of drops n = 1000  n1/ 3  10
= 7.04 x 10–4J
*Problem 2.11 :  n2 / 3  100
Surface tension of liquid T = 35 dyne cm-1
Find the radius of the soap bubble if 44 x Radius of each small drop r = 2 mm = 0.2 cm
10–6J of work is done in blowing the soap buble. Energy evolved in merging
Surface tension of soap solution = 7 x 10–2 Nm–1
W  4r 2T  n  n2 / 3 
Sol: Work done, W = 44 x 10–6 J  
If ‘r’ is the radius of the soap bubble 22 2

surface area of the soap bubble

 W  4
7

 2  10 1  35 1000  100 

= 8p r 2 88  35  4  10 2
W 
7
900 
Work done in blowing soap bubble (W) =
surface area of the bubble x surface tension = 15840 ergs. » 1.58´ 10- 3 J

W = 8p r 2 . T Problem 2.14 :
W A soap bubble is blown to a radius of 3 cm.
\ r2 = If it is to be further blown to a radius of 4 cm
8p T what is the work done ? (Surface tension of soap
solution = 3.06 x 10–2 Nm–1)
W 44´ 10- 6 Solution: Initial radius of the soap bubble
r= =
8p T 22 R1  3cm  3x102 m.
8´ ´ 7´ 10- 2
7 Final radius of the soap bubble
1 R2  4cm  4x102 m
= ´ 10- 2 ;r = 0.05m
4 work done in blowing a soap bubble from
radius R1 to R2  W  8  R22  R12  T
Problem 2.12 : 22
8 x x3.06x10 -2 16 - 9  x10 4
If the surface tension of solution of soap in 7
water is 35 dynes/cm, calculate the work done to  176x3.06x106 J = 539.6 x 10-6 J
form an air bubble of diameter 14 mm with that
solution 2.7. Angle Of contact :
Sol : Surface tension T = 35 dynes cm-1 = Definition : The angle between the tangent
0.035Nm -1 to liquid surface at the point of contact , and solid
14mm surface, inside the liquid is called the angle of
Radius of the bubble  r    7 mm contact for a given pair of solid and liquid.
2
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It is observed that when the free surface of a
liquid comes in contact with a solid, it becomes
mostly curved near the point of contact. The free
surface of water curves upwards when it touches a
vertical glass surface, on the other hand the free
surface of mercury curves downwards when it
touches a vertical glass surface.
(i) The angle of contact remains same whether
the liquid is contained in a glass vessel or a glass
plate, is immersed in the liquid or a drop of given
liquid rests on the glass plate. This simply implies
that angle of contact does not depend on the manner
of contact.
(ii) Let QR represents the tangent drawn at the
point of contact Q. The angle RQP which the tangent
makes with the portion QP of the plate inside a liquid,
is called the angle of contact.
(iii) (a) For pure water and perfectly clean glass
  00
(b) For pure water and pure silver, q = 900
(c) For water and greased glass surface,   90 0
a) water and glass
(d) For water and chromium
(e) For glass and mercury,
b) Mercury and glass
The different values of angle of contact for
(v) (a) In general angle of contact decreases
with increase in temperature
(b) Angle of contact decreases with partially
soluble impurities, like detergents & wetting agents
(c) Angle of contact increases with soluble
impurities like NaCl.
(d) Angle of contact increases with addition of
water proofing agent
(e) Angle of contact does not depend upon angle
of inclination.
When a liquid and a solid are brought in contact
with each other, the liquid surface generally becomes
curved near the region of contact. The curvature is
due to two forces, forces of cohesion between liquid
molecules and adhesion between solid and liquid
molecules. The nature and magnitude of the
curvature is determined by the relative magnitude of
the two forces.
2.8. Shape of liquid meniscus
We know that a liquid assumes the shape of the
vessel in which it is contained i.e. it can not oppose
permanently any force that tries to change its shape.
As the effect of force is zero in a direction
perpendicular to it, the free surface of liquid at rest
adjusts itself at right angles to the resultant force.
Consider a capillary tube dipping vertically in a
liquid. Imagine a liquid molecule O of mass “m” on
the liquid glass interface. There are three forces acting
on this molecule.
(i) Weight “mg” of the molecule, acting
vertically downwards.
(ii) Force of adhesion Fa due to the molecules
of the wall . It acts outwards along OA at 900 to
the wall.
Fa O S
A O/ O
Fc
mg
45

different pairs of materials are due to relative R

C
0

magnitude of cohesive and adhesive forces.

(iv) Angle of contact depends on (a)
Y (b)
(a) the nature of liquid-solid pair under
S
consideration.
(b) The medium above the free surface of the A/ O O A/
liquid.
R B B R
(c) Cleanliness and freshness of the two surfaces S
in contact.
(d) The temperature (c) (d)

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(iii) Force of cohesion, Fc due to other molecules of
the liquid near it. It acts inwards along OC at
angle of 450 to the vertical wall of the tube.
Thus two forces, Fa and Fc are inclined at an
angle of 1350 to each other. The direction of
the resultant force will depend upon the relative
magnitude of Fa and Fc.
Fc can be resolved into two rectangular
components.
(i) Fccos450 = Fc / 2 , along OY
to the liquid surface is to be perpendicular to R,
the meniscus assumes a concave shape. Now
Fa > Fc / 2 in case of water and kerosene oil
etc. which wet the side of the container. That is
why their free surface are concave upwards.
This is the case of water in a glass vessel and
liquid which wets the sides of the vessel.
(c) If Fa < Fc / 2 , then the resultant horizontal

(ii) Fcsin450 = Fc / 2 , along OO/ æFc ö÷

force ççç - Fa ÷ acts along OA/ i.e., it is directed
The three forces acting on the molecule are now è 2 ø÷
equivalent to two forces : inwards as shown in fig (d). The resultant R of
æ Fc ö÷ æFc ö
(i) çççFa - ÷ çç - Fa ÷ ÷ , according as æFc ö æ ö
è 2 ø÷
or çè 2 ø÷ çç - Fa ÷÷ and ççmg + Fc ÷÷is along OR, lying
Fc
çè 2 ø÷ çè 2 ø÷
Fa > Fc / 2 or > Fa . This force acts
2 inside the liquid. As the tangent OS to the liquid
horizontally at 900 to the wall of the tube. surface is to be perpendicular to OR, the
æ Fc ö÷ meniscus assumes a shape which is convex
(ii) çççmg + ÷ . This force acts vertically upwards.
è 2 ø÷
Now Fa < Fc / 2 in case of liquids like
downwards, along the wall of the tube.
mercury which do not wet the sides of the
Three cases arise : container. That is why their free surface are
Fc convex upwards. This is the case of mercury in
(a) If Fa = , then the total horizontal force a glass vessel and liquid which does not wet
2
æFc ö the sides of the vessel.
(Fa - Fc / 2 or ççç - Fa ÷
) ÷would be zero. As we move away from the wall, into the liquid,
è 2 ø÷ the force of adhesion Fa goes on decreasing and
æ ö
The resultant force ççmg + Fc ÷ ÷ acts vertically
the forces of cohesion Fc becomes more and
çè 2 ø÷ more vertical.
downwards. As the liquid surface is to remain At the middle of the liquid surface, force of
perpendicular to the resultant force, therefore, adhesion, Fa approaches zero and Fc becomes
vertical. Therefore the resultant force becomes
the liquid meniscus must be horizontal as shown
exactly vertical. That is why the surface is
in fig (b). This is the case of pure water in glass
perfectly flat at the middle of the tube.
vessel or pure water in silver vessel. From above we conclude that the shape of the
Fc liquid meniscus is concave or convex upwards
(b) If Fa > , then the total horizontal force
2 as the liquid wets the solid contianer or does
not wet the solid container.
(Fa - )
Fc / 2 acts along OA/ i.e., it is directed
outwards as shown in fig (c). The resultant R 2.9. CAPILLARITY
The latin word capillus means-hair. Thus
( ) (
of Fa - Fc / 2 and mg + Fc / 2 is along ) capillary tube is a tube having a very narrow bore
OR, lying outside the liquid. As the tangent OS ( hair-line thin)

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Definiton : When a capillary tube open at 3) Flat surface (not curved)

both ends is dipped into a liquid vertically, the 4) Critical wetting
liquid inside the capillary tube either rises or falls 5)   90o
due to surface tension. 6) PA = PB
 When a glass capillary tube is dipped in water, 2.10. Applications of Capillarity
water rises into the tube. 1) Sucking of water by plants and trees : The fine
 When a glass capillary tube is dipped in tubes existing in the trunk of a tree or plant are called
mercury, mercury depresses into the tube. xylem tubes. The water and sap rise through these
 When a silver capillary tube is dipped in water, tubes to the leaves due to capillary action. The
water neither rises nor falls. narrower the tubes, the more is the capillary rise
Case (i) : - When glass 2) Glowing of oil lamp and stove : The wicks used
capillary tube is dipped in in oil lamp and kerosine stove consists of fine pores
water, observations are between the cotton fibres. These pores act as
(FA : adhesive forces, FC: Cohesive forces, capillaries . Due to capillarity the oil rises up in the
PA : Pressure at A, PB: Pressure at B) wick and reaches the burning end. Thus the lamp
1) Capillary rise and stove will glow continuously till the oil exhausts.
2) FA > FC 3) Sucking of ink : The blotting paper consists of
fine pores which act as capillary tubes. When the
3) Concave meniscus split is pressed with the paper, the pores in it will
A
B suck the ink due to capillarity.
4) Water wets the glass q 4) Soaking the brick walls : The bricks of fine pores
act as capillary tubes. In rainy season, the outer side
5)   90o of brick wall is soaked because the fine pores suck
rain water due to capillarity. The inner side of same
6) PA > PB wall is damped. The 'damping' is avoided by
Case (ii) : - When glass plastering the outside of wall, with cement, thus
closing the capillaries.
capillary tube is dipped in
5) Wet soil : Clay soil consist of narrow pores
Mercury, observations are A between the particles and they act as capillaries. The
1) Capillary fall q B water rises from interior to the surface of soil, through
these capillaries, and gets evaporated. It can be
2) FC > FA stopped by tilling or ploughing the soil.
3) Convex meniscus 6) Drying of wet bodies : The thick towel consists
4) Mercury does not wet the glass of fine pores which act as capillaries. When wet body
is pressed with the towel, the pores absorb water by
5)   90o
capillarity. If the towel is soiled (dirty), the pores are
6) PB > PA closed and the removal of water is not effective.
When the towel is washed, thus reopening the pores,
Case (iii) : - When silver
the 'drying' is effective again.
capillary tube is dipped in
7) Cotton dress in summer :Cotton dress consists
water, observations are A of fine pores which act as capillaries. More sweat is
q B
1) water neither rises nor falls formed on the body in summer. The sweat is easily
absorbed by the pores of cotton dress. Thus, in
FC summer, cotton dress is more comfortable unlike
2) FA =
2 polyester dress which does not consists of capillaries.

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8) Glowing of candle : The candle is prepared by the tube. Let h be the height of the liquid in the tube
moulding the wax cylindrically around a thick cotton from horizontal surface in the vessel to the bottom
thread. The thread consists of fine pores which act of the liquid meniscus
as capillaries. When the candle burns, the molten wax The volume of the liquid in this column = p r 2 h .
raises to the flame through the cotton thread due to But there is some liquid in the meniscus. The volume
capillarity. Thus the candle glows continuously until of the liquid in the meniscus can be found by taking
the wax is used up completely. the meniscus as a hemisphere of volume
2.11. Determination of Surface Tension by 2 3
Capillary Rise Method p r (Fig b). The volume of the liquid in the
3
i) Theory meniscus = [volume of the cylinder of height r] –
Consider a glass capillary tube of internal radius [volume of the hemisphere].
‘r’. When it is dipped vertically in a liquid of angle
of contact less than 900 the liquid rises up in the
capillary tube. All the points of contact of the liquid
with the capillary tube form a circle of circumference
2p r . The liquid pulls the glass inwards at every
point of contact of the circle.This is due to surface
tension.
Let us consider two diametrically opposite points
A and B of the circle of contact. The force per unit
length at these two points is T acting at an angle q .
By Newton’s third law of motion, the capillary tube
applies equal and opposite forces at these points.
Each of these forces, is resolved into two rectangular
components as shown in fig(a). 2 3
i) component parallel to the walls of the capillary = pr2 ´ r - pr
3
tube is equal to T cos q which acts vertically 2 3
= pr3 - pr
upwards. 3
1 3
ii) component perpendicular to the walls of the = pr
3
capillary tube is equal to T sin q which is directed Volume of the liquid raised by the net upward
horizontally. force
The horizontal components at the diametrically 1
= p r 2h + p r 3
opposite points cancel each other. But the vertical 3
components all around the circumference of the circle 2 1 3
= pr h + pr
of contact remain. The net upward force is given by 3
Weight of the liquid raised = [volume] x [density]x [g]
F = T cos q ´ 2p r ........(1)
æ r ö÷
æ ö÷ = p r 2 ççh + ÷r g
çç Surface tension = Force ; T cos q = F ÷ çè 3 ø÷
çè length ÷
2p r ø÷
Where  is the density of the liquid.
The liquid level rises up due to this upward For the equilibrium condition of the liquid
force. This happens until it is balanced by the weight meniscus,
of the liquid column above the liquid level outside net upward force = weight of the liquid raised

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æ rö 1
2p rT cos q = p r 2 ççh + ÷
h
÷r g g
çè 3 ø÷
æ rö  2h 
rçççh+ ÷ g 1  
÷r g h1 g 2 R
T=
è 3ø÷ ..........(2) 
h 2 g1
 
2cosq g
r h1 é 2h ù
For narrow tubes, is negligible when \ = ê1- ú
3 h 2 êë R úû
compared with ‘h’ and the expression for T is taken as
h1
rhr g h2 =
\ T= é 2h ù
2 cos q ê1- ú. From binomial theorem,
2T cos q ëê R úû
or h = é 2h ù
rr g h2 = h1 ê1 + ú
êë R úû .
since T , q, r and g are const ant s,
If “h” is comparable to R, then,
1 h r
ha (or ) 1 = 2 2
r h2 r1 h1 g 2 æ R ö÷
= = ççç ÷
÷
The above equation is known as Jurins Law. h2 g1 çè(R + h)ø÷
Same formula holds good for depression of a
Application 2.21: If capillary rise on the surface
liquid in a capillary tube but with a negative sign.
of earth is h1. Capillary rise at a depth ‘d’ from
Conclusions : - Expression for capillary rise is given
the surface of earth is h2. If R is radius of earth,
by
then
2T cos  1
h h
r g g
T cos  h1 g 2
h [for different liquids but for the same 
 h 2 g1
capillary tube]  d
1 g 1  
R
h  [for tubes of same material and same liquid]
r  
g
1 1
® h µ µ 1/ 2 [ A is area of cross section ] h1 é d ù
r A = ê1- ú
h 2 êë R úû
1
 h  [same liquid, same tube but at different h1
g h2 =
é dù
places] ê1- ú
 Volume (o r) mass of liquid is direct ly êë R úû
proportional to radius é dù
V r If d <<R, then, h2 = h1 êê1 + R úú .
(or) [from mg = 2 rT cos  ] ë û
m r HApplication 2.22: The capillary rise in a
Applications based on capillarity : stationary lift is ‘h’. The capillary rise when the
Application 2.20: Let capillary rise on the surface lift is
of earth is ‘h1’. Capillary rise at a height ‘h’ from a) moving up with accelerat ion ‘a’ is
the surface of earth is h2. If ‘R’ is the radius of hg
hL 
earth and h<<R, then, ( g  a)

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b) moving up with accelerat ion a=g is Application 2.25: Capillary tube of varying
radius :
hg h Suppose radius of the tube varies from r1 to r2
hL   in its total length  . The radius at the position of
( g  g) 2
meniscus.
c) moving down with acceleration ‘a’ is ær - r ö
r = r1 - çç 1 2 ÷÷h
hg çè  ø÷
hL 
( g  a) r2 (r1-r2)

Application 2.23 : Expression for gravitational r

P.E. of liquid rises in tube is
U=Weight x h/2 =mgh/2 h

2T cos q
(since mg = 2 p rT cos q , h = )
rr g r1

 2 rT cos   2T cos 
U  The rise of the liquid in the tube can be obtained
2r  g
2 p T cos 2 q
2 2T cos q
= by the formula h = , by placing the value
rg rr g
of ‘r’ in terms of r1 and r2.
If   0 then
o

Application 2.26: For a given radius, the

2 T 2 capillary rise in a capillary tube does not depend
U
g either on the angle of inclination or on the shape
of the tube.
\ Gravitational P.E. of the liquid in the tube is
independent of radius of the tube.
Application 2.24: The relation between radius of
tube and radius of meniscus is
C
Ans. AB = radius of tube (r) R From fig.
A r B cos  
h
AC = radius of meniscus (R)  l
In ABC  h  l cos 
AB l1 cos 1  l2 cos  2
cos  
r AC  = angle of inclination

R h = height of water in the tube
 r  R cos  l = length of water in the tube
If  = 0o then r = R ‘h’ is independent of angle of inclination

If  = 180o then r = -R Application 2.27: Capillary tube of insufficient

Length :
r If a capillary tube is immersed such that the
If q = 900 , R = =µ
cos 900 exposed portion is less than the capillary height, it
i.e., The liquid mensicus is plane. appears as if the liquid may overflow. If it were to be

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PHYSICS - I C SURFACE TENSION

true,a perpetual motion machine would be obtained

h cos 1
which runs without any expenditure of energy. This 
would, however violate the law of conservation of h| cos  2
energy. Hence in practice the liquid meniscus rises cos 00 h|
= Þ cos q2 =
to the top and readjusts its curvature. This helps the cos q2 h
presssure difference across the meniscus to just  h| 
balance the liquid column in the capillary  2  cos1  
h
In the special case angle of contact will change
even if pair of solid & liquid are not changed.
Application 2.29: A glass rod of radius r1 is
inserted symmetrically into a vertical capillary
tube of radius r2 such that their lower ends are
at the same level. The arrangment is now dipped
in water. Find the height to which water will rise
in to the tube.
The liquid does not overflow. It rises to full length (T = surface tension of water, d = density of
of the tube and stays at the top. water).
Solution :
2T cos q 2T
h= = Total upward force due to surface tension
rdg Rdg
 T  2r1  2r2  ............ (1)
( R = r cosq) This supports the weight of the liquid column
of height h.
Weight of liquid column = h éêëp r22 - p r12 ùúûr g ....(2)
Equating (1) and (2) ,
hp (r2 + r1 )(r2 - r1 )r g = 2p T(r1 + r2 )
1
h µ cos q and h 
R or h(r2 - r1 )r g = 2T or
Here ‘r’ is radius of the tube
R is radius of meniscus \ h=
2T
(r2 - r1 )r g
q is apparent angle of contact
In this case : Application 2.30: Two parallel glass plates are
i) liquid rises to full length and does not overflow dipped perpendicularly in a liquid of density d. The
ii) radius of curvature increases separation between the plates is ‘t’ and the surface
iii) angle of contact increases tension is T. The angle of contact of glass is θ .
Application 2.28: When a glass capillary tube is Find the capillary rise of the liquid between the
dipped in pure water, water rises to a height ‘h’ plates ( '  ' is the side length of each plate).
in the tube. Capillary tube is pushed down till its Ans. Weight = Force of surface tension
height above the surface of water is h| [h| < h]. mg = (2l) T cos 
Find the relation between h and h| .
r [lth ]g = 2lT cos q
2T cos 
Ans. h
r g 2T cos q
h=
h  cos  tr g

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Sol: Assume the weight of water to be ‘F’

Problem 2.15 :
weight of water in capillary tube = upward force
What should be the radius of a capillary
tube if the water has to rise to a height of 6cm due to surface tension
in it. Surface tension of water = i.e., F = 2p r (T cos q)
7.2 x 10 –2 Nm –1 (g = 10ms–2) Surface tension of water T = 0.072 Nm–1
Sol: Height (h) = 6cm = 6 x m 10–2 Angle of contact q = 0 0
Surface tension of water (T) = 7.2 x 10–2Nm–1 Radius of capillary tube (r)
for water q= 0,cos q = 1 0.2
= m = 0.2 ´ 10- 3 m
Densitiy of water ( r ) = 1000kg m–3 1000
hrr g 22
Surface tension (T) = F = 2p r (T cos q)= 2 ´ ´ 0.2´ 10- 3 ´ 0.072 ´ 1
2 cos q 7
Substituting the values = 90.51´ 10- 6 N Þ F = 90.51´ 10- 6 N
- 2
(6´ 10 )(r)(1000)(10)
- 2
*Problem 2.18 :
7.2 ´ 10 =
2´ 1
The rise of liquid in a capillary tube of certain
r = 0.24 x 10–3m
radius when immersed in a liquid is 4.2 cm. What
*Problem 2.16 : is the rise in the liquid when a capillary tube of
In an experiment with capillary tube a radius 3/2 times the previous radius is used ?
liquid of density 0.75 x 103 kgm-3 rises to a height 3
of 19.8 x 10–3 m in a capillary tube of diameter Ans. r2  r1 , h1  4.2cm h2  ? h1r1  h2 r2
2
2mm. Find the surface tension of the liquid (angle
of contact is 80) (cos80 = 0.9003) h1r1 4.2xr
h2   x2  2.8cm
Sol : Radius of capillary tube (r) T2 3r

2mm Problem 2.19 :

= = 1mm = 1´ 10- 3 m
2 The surface tension of a liquid is 80 dyne/cm.
Height (h) = 19.8´ 10- 3 m Its relative density is 0.8. If the angle of contact
Density of the liquid (d) = 0.75 x 10–3 kgm–3 between the liquid and glass is 600, find the height
acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 ms–2 to which the liquid rises in a glass capillary tube
of radius 1 mm.(Assume g = 10ms-2)
Angle of contact (q)= 80 Sol: Radius of the capillary tube r = 1 mm = 0.1 cm
\ cos q = cos80 = 0.9003 density  = 0.8 gm/c.c
acceleration due to gravity g = 10 ms-2
hr r g (19.8´ 10- 3 )´ (1´ 10- 3 )´ (0.75´ 103 )´ 9.8 = 1000 cms-2
T= =
2 cos q 2´ 0.9903 surface tension T = 80 dynes / cm
Surface tension (T)= 73.5 x 10–3Nm–1 angle of contact   60 0
The height of liquid column in capillary tube
*Problem 2.17 :
2T cos 
Find the weight of water supported by h
surface tension in a capillary tube with a radius rg 
of 0.2mm. Surace tension of water is 0.072 Nm–1 2  80  cos 60 0
h 1=1cm
cm
and angle of contact of water is 00 0.1 1000  0.8

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Problem 2.20 : Problem 2.22:

The weight of liquid column in a capillary A U-tube is supported with its limbs vertical
tube is 11 104 N . If the radius of tube is 7 mm, and is partly filled with water. if internal diameters
calculate the surface tension of liquid. of the limbs are
Solution : 1 × 10–2m and 1 × 10–4m respectively, what
Weight of liquid column W  11 10 4 N will be the difference in heights of water
Radius of capillary tube r = 7 mm  7  103 m columnsin the two limbs ( Surface tension of water
Weight of liquid column W  2rT is 0.07 Nm–1 )
Surface tension Solution :
W 11 104 Surface tension, T = 0.07Nm- 1 ;
T 
2r 2  22  7  103
7 Density, r = 1000 k gm- 3 ; g = 9.8ms–2
 T  0.025 N / m

Problem 2.21 : Angle of contact q = 00 ,

(i) Determine the height 'h' to which water radius, r1= 0.5 × 10–2 m ; Radius, r2= 0.5 × 10–4 m
rises when capillary tube of radius 0.2 mm is
dipped vertically in a beaker containg water Let h1 be the height of water in the limb of radius r1.
(Surface tension of water  7.0  102 Nm 1 and 2T cos q 2 ´ 0.07 ´ cos 00
Then, h1 = = m
angle of contact = 00) (ii) Discuss what will happen r1r g 0.5´ 10- 2 ´ 1000´ 9.8
if the capillary tube is now pushed down till its
= 2.86´ 10- 3 m
height above the surface of water is 4 cm.
Assume that the density of water is 1000kgm-3 similarly h2 = 2.86 x 10–1 m.
and g is 10 ms-2 . Difference in heights
2T cos 
Sol : i) Formula : h  rg = h 2 - h1 = 2.86 ´ 10- 1 m - 2.86 ´ 10- 3 m

Angle of contact   0 0 \ cos 0 0 = 1 = (0.286 - 0.00286)m = 0.283m

Surface tension T  7  10 2 Nm 1 Problem 2.23 :

Density of water d = 1000 kg m-3 Mercury has an angle of contact equal to
0
Acceleration due to gravity g = 10 ms-2 140 with soda-lime glass. A narrow tube of
Radius of the tube r = (0.2/1000) m radius 1.00 mm made of this glass is dipped in a
trough containing mercury. By what amount
 
2  7  10 2  1 does the mercury dip down in the tube relative to
 Height h   0.2  the liquid surface out side? Surface tension of
   1000   10 
 1000  mercury at the temperature of the experiment is
 7  10 2
m or 7 cm. 0.465 Nm–1. Density of mercury = 13.6 × 103kg
ii) However, when the capillary tube is pushed m–3.
down till its height above the surface of water is 4 cm, Sol :Radius of tube, r = 1.00 mm = 10–3 m
the water rises up to 4 cm only and it will not over Surface tension of mercury, T = 0.465N/ m
flow. In this special case the angle of contact will
change. Angle of contact,   140 0
h2 cos 2 h 2T cos q
  cos 2  2 cos 1 \ h=
h1 cos 1 h1 rr g = –5.34 × 10–3 m = – 5.34 mm
here h1  7cm, h2  4cm; 1  00 Negative sign shows that the mercury level is
1 0
cos 2  cos  0.5714   55 depressed in the tube.

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2.12. EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF R3 R4 .

SURFACE TENSION BY CAPILLARY RISE r
2
METHOD
Description : A glass capillary tube of uniform
bore is taken. It is cleaned with caustic soda, then
with nitric acid and finally with pure water. The tube R3 R4
should be completely dried inside and out side. It is
Fig : (b)
then clamped vertically to a retort stand, such that
its lower end is immersed in the experimental liquid The density ( r ) at the laboratory temperature
contained in a beaker as shown in the figure. A bent and the angle of contact (q) of liquid with glass are
pin is attached to the tube on its side with rubber taken from standard data.
bands. Its sharp lower end just touches the surface The surface tension of liquid is calculated using
of liquid in the beaker. A travelling microscope is the formula
arranged before the setup and its least count is
determined.  r
rg  h  
 3
T
2 cos 
Precautions :
1) The bore of capillary should be clean and
uniform.
2) The tube should be clamped vertically.
3) The movement of liquid inside the tube should
Fig. (a) be free.
4) The air bubbles, if any, in the liquid column
Procedure : The liquid column rises to certain height should be removed.
in the tube due to capillarity. The meniscus is concave 5) The diameter of the bore should be determined
upwards. The microscope is focused on the liquid in two perpendicular directions and the mean should
column in the tube. The height of microscope is be taken.
adjusted such that the horizontal cross wire is
tangential to the bottom of the meniscus. The 2.13. WETTING AGENTS AND WATER
corresponding reading of microscope is noted (R1). PROOFING AGENTS :
The beaker is carefully removed without disturbing Wetting Agent :
the tube, the pin and the miscroscope. The
Wetting agent is a material, mixed with
microscope is displaced down wards until the
liquid, to decrease the angle of contact with the
horizontal cross wire coincides with the tip of the
given solid.
bent pin. The corresponding microscope reading is
noted (R2). The height of liquid column is obtained Explanation : 1) When washing soap is mixed
with the formula h = R1– R2. with water, the angle of contact decreases. The
clothes are soaked well in soap water than in ordinary
The capillary tube is then clamped horizontally.
water. Thus cleaning of clothes is more effective with
The liquid still existing inside the bore is removed
soap water.
by blowing air. The microscope is focused alternately
such that the vertical cross wires are tangential to 2) When a wetting agent is mixed with the
both the edges at the bore. The readings of the colour to be dyed on fabric material, the angle of
microscope are noted as R3 and R4. The difference contact decreases and the dye would 'creep' deep
of R3 and R4 gives the diameter of bore. Thus radius into the fabric material. Thus the colouring is uniform
of capillary tube is calculated with the formula, and lasts longer on the fabric.

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PHYSICS - I C
Water proofing agent :
Water proofing agent is a material applied
on the surface of solid to increase the angle of
contact (actually made obtuse) with water.
Explanation : While preparing water proofing
dress,the fabric is coated with wax. As such the angle
of contact between water and wax-coated fabric
becomes obtuse (>900). When this dress is used in
rain, water does not wet the dress but rolls down as
drops.
2.14. Factors effecting surface tension : -
1. Temperature: With increase in temperature
a) the kinetic energy of the molecules increases
b) work done in moving the molecule from inside
the liquid to the surface decreases
c) cohesive forces between molecules decreases
due to increase in separation between molecules.
As such, surface energy and surface
tension of the liquid decreases with increase in
temperature.
The variation of surface tension of liquid with
temperature ( for small range) can be expressed as,
St  S0 1   t 
where S0 and St are surface tensions of liquid
0 to the pressure Pv on the vapour side.
at 0 C and t 0C respectively.. '  ' is a constant,
called temperature coefficient of surface tension.
S0
S upward direction. Thus, for the equilibrium , of the
00 C t®
 At critical temperature surface tension is zero.
 At boiling temperature surface tension becomes
zero, since there is no fixed interface for the liquid
when it boils.
 The surface tension of molten cadmium and
molten copper increase with increase of temperatue.
2. Impurities :
With the addition of impurities surface tension may
increase or decrease, depending on the type of impurity.
 If the added impurities are weakly soluble in
liquid its surface tension decreases.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
SURFACE TENSION
Ex:
1) When soap is mixed with water the surface
tension decreases and washing is more effective.
2) When oil, greeze etc are sprayed on water
surface, the surface tension of water decreases sharply.
2) If the added impurities are highly soluble in
liquid, its surface tension increases.
Ex : When highly soluble salts like NaCl,
ZnSO4 etc are mixed with water, its surface tension
increases.
HNote : When a paper boat to which a piece of
camphor is tied with a string is placed in water, it
moves randomly from one place to another. Surface
tension of water decreases when camphor dissolves
in it and it moves from a place of lower surface
tension to a place of higher surface tension.
2.14.PRESSURE DIFFERENCE ACROSS A
SURFACE FILM
If the free surface of a liquid is plane , then the
surface tension acts horizontally. So , it has no com-
ponent normal to the horizontal surface. As a result,
no extra pressure is communicated to the inside or
outside. Thus, the pressure Plon the liquid side is equal
If the surface is convex, then the liquid
molecule in the surface experiences a net in-
ward force due to surface tension. To keep the sur-
face molecules in equillibrium there must be an ex-
cess of pressure on the concave side acting in the
convex surface, the pressure Pl on the liquid side of
the surface must be more than the pressure Pv on the
vapour side.
T T
EXCESS PRESSURE
T T
R
T T
EXCESS PRESSURE
If the liquid surface is concave, then each liquid
molecule in the surface experience a net outward force
due to surface tension. In order that the molecules
on the surface may be in equilibrim, there must be
an excess of pressure on the concave side acting in
the downward direction. Thus, for the equilibrim of
79
SURFACE TENSION PHYSICS - I C
2
the concave surface, the pressure Pv on the vapour d S = 4p (R + dR ) - 4p R 2
side of the surface must be more than the pressure Pl dS = 4p R 2 + 4p dR 2 + 8p RdR - 4p R 2
on the liquid side. Ignoring dR2 term which is negligible, we get dS
Note: Pressure on concave side is always greater than = 8p RdR
that of on the convex side of the meniscus. Increase in surface energy of the drop,
2.15. Excess of Pressure in a Liquid Drop :- 
dE= dS ´ T = 8RdRT
Assume the excess pressure to be 'P' and the This increase in surface energy is due to the
radius of the drop 'r'. 'T' represents the surface tension work dW done by excess pressure ......(i)
of the liquid. Let us consider the equilibrium along dW = (excess pressure) ´ (surface area) ´ (distance)
any diametrical plane. The surface tension acts along = p´ 4p R 2 ´ dR ........(ii)
the rim of the length 2 r , as shown in Fig. Force 1. Equating (ii) and (i),
due to excess pressure P acts on area p r 2 . dW = dE
Under equilibrium the upward force acting due
p ´ 4p R 2 ´ dR = 8p RdRT
to the excess pressure 'P' on the upper hemisphere is
equal to the downward force acting along the 8p RdRT
p=
circumference due to surface tension of the liquid 4p R 2 dR
i.e., or
P  r 2   2 r  T  2T
or p=
R
Applications . (i) When ice - skates slide over the
2T surface of ice, the ice melts slightly. As a result of
P
r this, tiny drops are formed. Due to the large internal
pressure, these drops behave as ball - bearings. This
Alternative Method
explains the ease with which ice - skates slide over
Consider a spherical drop, of radius R,. of a the surface of ice.
liquid of surface tensionT.Due to its spherical ii) Tiny fog drops behave like solids due to
shape, the pressure inside the drop will be more than excess pressure inside them.
that outside. Let the pressure outside be P and that
inside be P+ p, where p is the excess pressure. Let 2.16. EXCESS PRESSURE INSIDE AN AIR
us now enlarge the size of the drop slightly so that BUBBLE IN A LIQUID
its radius This case is similar to that of a liquid drop in air.
This is because it has only one free spherical surface.
dR So, the excess pressure inside an air bubble is given
p by
2T
p=
R
E x c e ss p re s su re
in sid e a liq u id d ro p
increases from R to R + dR. The increase dR in
p
radius is supposed to be so small that the inside pres-
sure (P+p) remains unchanged.
Initial surface area, S = 4p R 2
2
Final surface area, S + dS = 4p (R + dR )
A ir bubble in a liquid
I ncr ease in su r face ar ea,

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2.17. Excess pressure in Soap Bubble: Note – 3 : For a film having radii of curvatures
Considering a soap or water bubble, the bubble R1 and R2 the pressure difference for one free
being hollow inside, has two free surfaces, one inside surface.
æ1 1 ö÷
and the other outside. Neglecting the thickness of Pi - P0 = T ççç + ÷
÷
the film, the surface tension force along the two edges è R1 R2 ø÷
of the diametrical plane will be 2  2 rT and acts Conclusions :
downwards.  Excess pressure is inversely proportional to
Under equilibrium condition radius.
i.e., smaller the radius of drop or bubble more
P  r 2   4 r  T 
will be the excess pressure
1 1 1
4T  P ;P  ; P 3
P R S V
r Here P is excess pressure
Alternative Method: R is Radius
Let us consider a soap bubble of radius R. Let S is surface area
T be the surface tension of liquid. Due to its spherical
V is volume
shape, there will be an excess pressure p inside the 2T
bubble over that on the outside. This excess pressure  Excess pressure inside a liquid drop P 
acts normally outwards. Let dW be the work done R
by the excess pressure in increasing the radius of the 2T
 Total pressure inside a liquid drop Pt  Po 
bubble by an infinitesimally small amout dR. R
Where Po = Atmospheric pressure
Then, dW = p ´ 4p R 2 ´ dR
 Excess pressure inside an air bubble in a liquid,
2T
to its surroundings P 
dR R
p  Total pressure inside an air bubble, which is just
2T
below a liquid surface, Pt  Po 
R
 Total pressure inside an air bubble, which is at
Soap bubble has two free surfaces. \ Increase a depth “h” below t he liquid surface,
in surface area, dS = 2´ 8p RdR
2T
Increase in surface energy, dS = 16p R dR ´ T Pt  Po  h g 
R
This increase in surface energy is due to work dW. Pa
2
\ p ´ 4 p R ´ dR = 16 p RdR ´ T
h
4T
p= Pi
R
HNote – 1 : The excess pressure inside a soap
bubble is more than that of a liquid drop. As the  A capillary tube is dipped in a liquid, such that
soap bubble has two free surfaces. lower end is at a depth h2 below liquid surface and
Note – 2 : Pressure difference accross film having capillary rise is h1 above liquid surface. Pressure
2T required to blow an air bubble at the lower end of
one free surface is Pi – P0 = . tube is
R

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*Application 2.33: Two soapbubbles of different

radii r1 and r2 are in contact, the radius of the
h1 intreface is

h2 R2
R1

Pt = Po + (h1 + h2 )r g
If p1 and p2 be the excess pressure in soap
(or)
2T bubbles of radii R1 and R2 respectively, then the
Pt = Po + h2 r g + pressure accross interface surface is given by
R
Application 2.31: Two soap bubbles of radii R1 p = p2 – p 1
and R 2 are kept in vaccum at constant if ‘r’ be the radius of the interface, then
temperature, the ratio of masses of air inside 4T 4T 4T
= -
them, is R R2 R1
From , 1 1 1 1 1 2 R- R 1 2 RR
m
PV  RT or R = R - R or R = RR or R = R - R
2 1 1 2 1 2
M
i.e., m  PV Application 2.34: A soap bubble of radius R1 is
kept inside another soap bubble of radius R2.
m1 P1V1
 Radius of third soap bubble, which has an excess
m 2 P2 V2
pressure equal to pressure diffrence between
æ4T ö÷ 4 inside of inner bubble and outside of outer bubble
çç ÷ p R 3
÷3
çè R 1 ø÷ 1
is 4T
= P1 - P2 =
æ4T ö÷ 4 R1 3
çç ÷ p R 3 1 2
çè R ø÷ ÷3 2
2
4T
m R2 P2 - P3 =
\ 1 = 12 R2
m2 R 2
æ1 1 ö÷
Application 2.32: Two soap bubbles of radii R1 P1 - P3 = 4T ççç + ÷
÷
è R1 R2 ø÷
and R2 are in atmosphere of pressure Po at
4T æ1 1 ö÷
constant temperature. Ratio of masses of air = 4T çç + ÷
R çè R ÷
R 2 ø÷
inside them is 1
m 1 1 1
PV  RT  
M R R1 R 2
i.e., m  PV
m1 P1V1 R 1R 2
 R
m 2 P2 V2 R1  R 2

æ ö4
*Application 2.35: Two soap bubbles of radii R1
ççP + 4T ÷ ÷ p R 13  4T  3 and R2 kept in vaccum are combined isothermally
çè 0 ÷
÷  P0  R
R1 ø 3  R1  1 to form a big bubble of radius R, then
= 
æ ö4
ççP + 4T ÷ ÷ p R 32  4T  3 Total number of moles is constant
çè 0
R 2 ø÷
÷3  P0   R2 n = n1 + n2
 R2 

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PV = P1V1 + P2V2 4T
PV
0 + S= C
3
 4T  4 3  4T  4 3 4T  4 3 From Boyle’s law
 R  3  R   R  3  R1  R  3  R 2 
   1 2   PV
1 1 + PV
2 2 = PV

R 2  R 12  R 22 4T 4T
P0 (V1 + V2 )+ (S1 + S2 )= PV
0 + S
3 3
R  R12  R 22 4T
P0 D V + DS = 0
3
Application 2.36: Two liquid drops of radii R1 and
3P0  V   4T  S  0
R2 are combined to form a liquid drop of Radius
R. The value of R in terms of R1 and R2 is Application 2.39: Capillary Rise of liquid By
Both mass and volume are constant. pressure balance method :
V = V1 + V2 In case of capillary rise the shape of meniscus
4 4 4 is concave upward. The pressure just below the free
 R 3   R13   R 13 surface of the liquid is less than atmospheric pressure
3 3 3 2T
at a point by an amount . So to compensate this
 R  3 R13  R 32 R
pressure difference, liquid will rise in the tube. From
Application 2.37: Two soap bubbles of radii R1 the figure.
P0
and R 2 kept in atmosphere are combined
isothermally to form a big bubble of radius R.
The expression for surface tension will be
From Boyle's Law
B
PV = constant
PV = P1V1 + P2V2
h
 4T  4 3  4T  4 3  4T  4 3 P0
 P0    R   P0    R1   P0    R2
 R 3  R1  3  R2  3
D
P0  R 13  R 32  R 3 
Simplifying T 2T
4  R 2  R 2l  R 22  PB = P0 –
R
Also PD = PB + h  g
Application 2.38: Two soap bubbles are combined
isothermally to from a big bubble of radius R. If æ 2T ö÷
or PD = çççèP0 - ÷+ hr g
ΔV is change in volume, ΔS is change in surface R ø÷
area and P0 is atmospheric pressure then show since PD = P0

that 3P0  ΔV  + 4T  ΔS  = 0 2T 2T
\ = hr g or h =
R r Rg
PV = Constant
æ ö Application 2.40: Tube Inside Liquid :
ççP0 + 4T ÷÷V = C The rise of liquid in the capillary tube does not
çè R ø÷ depend on the portion of the tube inside liquid. But
4T 4 3 total length of the liquid remaining depends on the
PV0 + . pR = C
R 3 length of the tube.
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(i) Suppose ‘  ’ length of the tube is inside
the liquid, which is less than the rise of the liquid in
the tube. When the tube is taken out of the liquid the
length of liquid in the tube will be (h +  ).
(ii) If the length of tube inside the liquid is
greater or equal to ‘h’, the length of the liquid that
remains in the tube will be (h + h) = 2h.
Proof : The pressure at points A and B are
Application 2.42: A U tube is held such that the
radius of one limb is r1 and that of other is r2 (r2
> r1). A liquid of surface tension T, density 
and angle of contact zero is taken in the U tube.
Then difference in the levels of the liquid in the
two limbs is,
A

2T 2T
PA = Pa - and PB = Pa +
R R B

Clearly PB = PA +  gh|

æ 2T ö÷ æ ö
or çççèPa + ÷= ççPa - 2T ÷÷+ r gh| Pressure at bottom of Ist limb
÷
Rø è ç Rø ÷ 2T
p1 = h1r g + p0 -
| 4T r1
or h = = 2h
r gR Pressure at bottom of 2nd limb
é 4T 2´ 2T ù 2T
ê = = 2hú p2 = h2r g + p0 -
êë r gR r gR úû r2
Difference in the levels is

T 2T æ ö
çç 1 - 1 ÷
T (h1 - h 2 )= ÷
Pa r g çèr1 r2 ø÷÷
A
Application 2.43: When air bubble comes from
bottom to the top of a lake its radius becomes n
h|
times. If temperature remains constant through
out the lake the depth of the lake will be,
T B T From Boyle's law
PV = constant
Pa P1V1 = P2V2
Application 2.41: Two limbs of a manometer
consist of uniform capillary tubes of radii r1 and 4  2T   2T  4 3
 R 3  P0  h g     P0     nR 
r2 respectively (r1 > r2). If the level of liquid in 3  R   nR  3
narrower tube stands at a height ‘h’ above that 2T 3 2T
h g  P0  n 3  1  n 
in the broader tube then the exact pressure nR R
difference will be
2T 2
If P1 and P2 are the pressures in broader and P0  n 3  1   n  1
h R 
narrower tubes g
Then PA = PB + h  g
Application 2.44: Force required to separate the
2T 2T plates having some liquid between them :
P1   P2   hdg
r1 r2 When some liquid is put between the plates,
1 1 the pressure between the plates Pi becomes less than
P1  P2  h  g  2T    the outside pressure P0. So an outward force is
 r2 r1  required to separate them. Let ‘d’ be the separation

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between the plates and r1 and r2 are the radii of 2T

Solution : Excess pressure (P) =
curvatures of two sides of the surface film. The r
pressure difference Surface tension (T) = 4.6´ 10- 1 Nm - 1
radius of the mercury drop = r = 3mm = 3 x 10–3 m
2T 2 ´ 4.65´ 10- 1
\ P= = - 3
= 31Nm- 2
P0 r 3´ 10
Problem : 2.26:
If a soap bubble of radius 3 cm coalesce
r1 under isothermal conditions with another soap
æ1 1 ö bubble of radius 4 cm find the radius of the big
P0 - Pi = T ççç + ÷ ÷
÷ soap bubble so formed.
è r1 r2 ø÷ Sol :r1 = 3 cm, r2 = 4 cm
d 1 1 Let R be the radius of the big drop
Here r1 = also r2 >> r1, so r < < r
2 2 1 Surface energy of big drop = Surface energy of
T T 2T first drop + Surface energy of second drop
\ P0 - Pi = = =
r1 d /2 d ( )
\ 8p R 2T = 8p r12 + 8p r22 T
Force required F =(P0 – Pi) x area of plate
R = r12 + r22 = 32 + 42 = 5cm .
2T 2TA 2TA2
= ´ A= = Problem 2.27:
d d V
(where V = volume = Ad) What is the excess of pressure inside the
HNote : When few drops of water are placed in spherical drop of water of radius 1mm. Surface
between two glass plates, the pressure in between tension of water is 70  103 N / m .
the plates becomes large due to surface tension and
it becomes difficult to separate the plates. Sol : Radius of water drop, r = 1mm  1 103 m
Surface tension of water,
*Problem 2.24 :
The diameter of a soap bubble is 8mm and T  70  103 Nm 1
the surface tension of soap solution is Excess pressure inside the drop,
4 x 10–2 Nm–1. 2T 2  70  10 3
P   140 Nm2 .
Find the excess pressure inside the bubble. r 1 10 3

Sol :Diameter of the bubble = 8mm = 8 x 10–3 m

Problem 2.28 :
Radius of the bubble (r) = 4 x 10–3 m
The lower end of a capillary tube of diameter
Surface tension (T) = 4 x 10–2 Nm–1
2.00 mm is dipped 8.00 cm below the surface of
4T
Excess pressure inside the bubble = water in a beaker. What is the pressure required
r in the tube in order to blow a hemispherical
4 ´ 4 ´ 10- 2 - 2
= = 40Nm bubble at its end in water. [The surface tension
4´ 10- 3
\ Excess pressure inside the bubble = 40Nm–2 of waterat temperature of the experiment is 7.30
* Problem 2.25 : × 10–2 N m–1. 1atmospheric pressure = 1.01 × 105
The radius of mercury drop at 200C is 3mm. Pa, density of watre = 1000 kg m–3, g =9.80 ms–2] .
If the surface tension of mercury at this Sol :The excess pressure in a bubble of gas in a liquid
temperature is 4.6 x 10–1 Nm–1. Find the excess is given by 2T / r ,where T is the surface tension of
pressure inside the liquid drop.

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the liquid-gas intreface. You should note there is only As PA = PB and R1 = r1 = 1.5 mm,
one liquid surface in thiscase. The radius of the R2 = r2 = 3.0mm, so
bubble is r. Now the pressure outside the bubble, æ1 1 ö
2T ççç - ÷ ÷
÷= hr g
pout equals atmospheric pressure plus the pressure è r1 r2 ø÷
due to 8.00cm of watre column.
æ 1 1 ö÷
pout = (1.01 × 105 + 0.08 × 1000 × 9.80) Pa 0.2´ 0.07 çç - ÷= h ´ 1000´ 9.8
çè1.5´ 10- 3 3´ 10- 3 ø÷
= 1.01784 × 105 Pa
Therefore, the pressure inside the bubble is After solving, we get h = 4.76 x 10–3m
pin = pout + 2T / r Problem 2.30:
= 1.01784 × 105 + (2 × 7.3 × 10–2 /10–3) A soap bubble is being blown at the end of a
= (1.01784 + 0.00146) × 105 = 1.02 × 105 Pa. very narrow tube of radius b. Air (density r )
Problem 2.29: moves with a velocity ‘v’ inside the tube and
comes to rest inside the bubble. The surface
A glass U – tube is such that the diameter of
tension of the soap solution is T. After some time
one limb is 3.0 mm and that of the other is
the bubble, having grown to a radius ‘r’,
6.00mm. The tube is inverted with the open ends separates from the tube. Find the value of ‘r’.
below the surface of water in a beaker. What is Assume that r >> b so that you can consider the
the difference between the heights to which water air to be falling normally on the bubble’s surface.
rises in the two limbs ? Surface tension of water Sol :The bubble will separate from the tube when
is 0.07N/m. Assume that the angle of contact thrust force exerted by the air is equal to the force
between water and glass is 00. due to exces pressure.
Solution : æ4T ö
i.e. r Av = çççè ø÷
2
÷A
r ÷ r
A v
A
C h B 4T
or r = 2
D rv
Problem 2.31:
Soapy water drips from a capillary. When
the drop breaks away, the diameter of its neck is
Let PA and PB are the pressures at points D. The mass of the drop is m. Find the surface
A and B respectively. The pressure at point C, tension of soapy water.
2T
PC = PA - F
R1 Capillary
r1
Where R1 = = r1
cos 00 2T
The pressure at point D, PD = PB - R
2
r2
where, R2 = = r2
cos 0 0 Solution : mg
If ‘h’ is the difference between heights rise in When the drop breaks away from the capillary,
two limbs, then PD – PC = h r g weight of the drop = force of surface tension.
æ 2T ö÷ æ ö or mg = p D x T
ç ççP - 2T ÷ mg
or ççPB - R ÷ -
÷ ç
÷ A ÷
÷= hr g or T = .
è 2 ø è R1 ø÷ pD

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2.18. Shape of drops
The shape of a liquid drop depends on two forces.
i) Gravitational force, ii) Force of surface tension.
The condition for the shape of the drop in
equilibrium is that the total potential energy i.e.,
gravitational potential energy + potential energy due
to surface tension is to be minumum. If only surface
tension forces are considered, the potential energy
will be minimum for minimum surface area i.e., the
drop must be of spherical shape. If only gravitational
force is considered, the potential energy will be
minumum when the centre of gravity of the drop is
at the least height i.e., the drop must be flat. When
we consider both the gravitational force and the force
of surface tension, for a small drop the force due to
surface tension predominates and hence it assumes
spherical shape. For a large drop, the gravitational
force predominate and it becomes flat thereby
lowering the centre of gravity and potential energy
to the least possible value.
If a drop of oil is placed in a mixture of water
and alcohol of same density as that of the oil, the
gravitational force on the drop will be balanced by
upward thrust on the drop of oil due to the mixture
of water and alcohol since both the densities are
equal. So only the force due to surface tension
remains and the drop acquires a shape of perfect
sphere. If a liquid drop of lower density is placed on
the liquid surface of higher density, the liquid drop
spreads on the surface of the liquid of higher density.
For example, when a drop of pure water is placed
on the surface of mercury, it spreads over it and forms
a uniform thin layer.
Alternative method :Suppose that a small
quantity of a liquid is poured on a plane solid surface.
Fig shows a small quantity of liquid poured on a
solid surface. We notice that there are three interfaces
namely liquid-air, solid -air and solid-liquid. Whether
the liquid is in equilibrium in the form of a drop or it
spreads depends on the relative strengths of the force
due to surface tension at the three interfaces. Let TLA,
TSA and TSL be values of the surface tension at the
liquid-air, solid-air and solid-liquid interface
respectively. Let  be the angle of contact between
the liquid and solid. The molecules in the region,
where the three interfaces meet are in equilibrium
i.e., net force acting on them is zero. For the molecule
at O to be in equilibrium, it follows that
T LA
Air
Liquid T SA
q
T SL O
Solid
TSL  TLA cos  TSA
TSA  TSL
or cos  
TLA
Air
Liquid
Liquid
q T LA
Solid TSL O TSA
Now, the following three cases arise:
(1) TSA  TSL : From the above equation, it
follows that cos  is positive and lies between 00
and 900 i.e., is acute. This condition is fulfilled,
when the moleules of a liquid are strongly attracted
to those of solid. For example, water on glass or
kerosine oil.
(2) When TSA< TSL: From equation , it follows
that cos is negative and lies in between 900 and
1800 i.e., obtuse. This condition is fulfilled, when
the moleucles of the solid are strongly attracted to
themselves and relatively weakly to those of the solid.
The small quantity of liquid takes the shape of a drop
to have obtuse value of angle of contact. For
example, mercury on glass surface, water on lotus
leaf.
(3) TSL  TLA cos  TSA : In such a case, the
molecules of liquid will not be in equilibrium and
experience a net force at the interface. As a result,
the liquid spreads. For example, Water on a clean
glass plate or kerosine oil on practically any surface.

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Long Answer Question 12. Mention some examples to show that the
surface of a liquid behaves as a stretched
1. Describe how do you determine the surface
tension of a liquid using capillary rise method elastic membrane.
with relavent theory. 13. State two examples of capillarity
Short Answer Question 14. What is the excess pressure in an air bubble
2. What is surface tension? How do you explain inside the liquid? Why?
surface tension on the basis of moleculir theory 15. A small quantity of oil is used in the preparation
3. Explain the phenomenon of capillarity in daily of toilet soaps. Is there any importance to it in
life. relation to surface tension?
4. Deduce an expression for the rise of liquid in ASSESS YOUR SELF
a capillary tube. *AU 1 : What is the behaviour of a camphor
5. Describe an experiment of the determination boat when placed in water ?
of surface tension of a liquid
Ans. It moves from one place to another place
6. What is the significance of capillarity in daily randomly since the surface tension of water decreases
life? when camphor dissolves in it moves from a place of
Very Short Answer Questions lower surface tension to a place of higher surface
1. Define surface tension and give its dimensional tension.
formula. * AU 2 : What happens when a hot needle is
2. What are the units of surface tension? placed between two match sticks placed on the
3. Explain why rain drops are spherical in nature? surface of water ?
4. Define surface energy. What is its relation with Ans. The match sticks move away from each other
surface tension? as the surface tension decreases due to increase in
5. A steel needle placed on the surface of water temperature.
floats. Why? * AU 3 : When work is done to pull the surface of
6. Define ‘angle of contact’. What are its values a soap film to increase its surface area, do you
for pure water and mercury? think its surface tension also increases ?
7. When a glass rod is dipped vertically in Ans. No, surface tension is constant for a given
mercury, the angle of contact is 1400. If the liquid. It is independent of surface area.
same rod is dipped at an angle of 30 0 in
mercury, what is the angle of contact? * AU 4 : Tooth paste contains a small quantity of
oil. Is it for any reason connected with the surface
8. Water rises to a length of 6cm in a capillary
tension ?
tube of certain radius on the earth. Find the
height upto which the water rises in the same Ans. Yes. Surface tension of water decreases with
capillary tube on the moon, where the addition of oil in the tooth paste. Hence the water or
acceleration due to gravity is 1/6th that of the the foam easily spreads over the mouth and clean
earth. the teeth.
9. What are cohesive and adhesive forces? * AU 5 : Why rain drops are spherical in nature?
10. To increase the wetting nature of water what Ans. Due to surface tension the surface area of the
should be done? water drop is minimum. For a given volume, since
11. What is the effect of temperature on surface the surface area of sphere is minimum, rain drops
tension of water? assume spherical shape.

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* AU 6 : Is there any advantage of washing clothes
with water than cold water ? Why ?
Ans. Surface tension of water decreases with the
increase in temperature of water. Hence warm water
easily spreads over the cloths and cleans easily.
* AU 7 : When a few water drops placed between
two glass plates, it is difficult to separate the glass
plates ? Why ?
Ans. Due to surface tension.
* AU 8 : When large number of small drops of
liquid coalesce into a large drop will there be
increase or decrease in temperature?
Ans. There will be increase in temperature.
* AU 9 : What are the angles of contact for wetting
and non wetting liquids ?
Ans. Less than 900, more than 900.
* AU 10 : Why is it that the meniscus of a liquid
surface concave or convex ?
Ans. Concave surface is due to the adhesive forces
dominating the cohesive forces. Convex surface is due
to the cohesive forces dominating adhesive forces.
* AU 11 : Why the excess pressure in a soap
bubble is more than that of in a water drop ?
Ans. The outer and inner surfaces of a soap bubble
are in contact with air whereas only the outer surface
of a liquid drop is in contact with air. So, the excess
pressure in soap bubble is greater.
* AU 12 : A capillary tube immersed in water is
taken to moon, where the value of acceleration
of gravity is g/6. What happens to the rise of the
liquid (h) on the moon ?
Ans. Height becomes 6th, provided the capillary tube
is that long. If it is not that long, it rises to the height
of the capillary tube.
* AU 13 : A capillary tube immersed in water is
kept in an ascending lift whose acceleration is
equal to ‘g’. What happens to the rise in the
capillary tube ‘h’?
Ans. h/2.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
SURFACE TENSION
SYNOPSIS
- The property of liquid by virtue of which its free
surface behaves like streched elastic membrane
is called surface tension.
- It does not obey Hooke’s law.
- It is the normal force acting per unit length of an
imaginary line drawn on the free surface of the
liquid.
- T = F/l D.F. - MT-2 unit N/m.
- Surface tension arises due to cohesive forces.
Surface tension belongs to electro magnetic force.
- Surface tension depends upon.
i) Nature of liquid
ii) Temperature of liquid
iii) Impurities
iv) Medium over the liquid
v) Charge on the liquid drop
- Water spreads over the glass more than mercury
because surface tension of water is less
S.T. of water < S.T. of Hg.
- Antiseptic ointments should have less surface
tension so that they can spread easily.
- Temperature : When temperature is more, surface
tension is less (except for molten cadmium and
molten copper)
- Surface tension is zero at critical temperature,
boiling point, triplepoint.
- Surface tension is molecular phenomenon
- Impurities : partially soluble impurities decreases
surface tension.
Eg : Oil, grease, wax
Completly soluble impurities increases it
Eg : salt, proteins. added to water, increases S.T.
· Force in addition to the weight of the body
required to pull it from the surface of liquid on
which is floating F = Tl
1) Needle/wire F = T x 2l
2) A ring F = 2 x 2  r x T
(or) hollow cylinder F = 4  rT
3) A small disc or solid cylinder F = 2  rT
4) Annular ring F= 2  (R+r)T
89