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Experiment 2: MEASUREMENT OF SURFACE TENSION OF WATER BY CAPILLARY TUBE.

Aim:
1. To measure the surface tension of water using a capillary tube method.
2. To understand the factors affecting surface tension, including temperature and the geometry of
the capillary tube.
3. To analyze sources of error and determine the order of accuracy in the measurement of
surface tension.
Apparatus:
● Capillary tube (A)
● Traveling microscope (M)
● Beaker (B)
● Cork (C) with pin (P)
● Clamps and stand
● Thermometer
Note:
● Do the experiment in a well-lit place for example near a window.
● Ensure that the capillary tube is clean
Key theory:
Surface tension is a property of liquids that arises from the cohesive forces between molecules at the
liquid-air interface. It is defined as the force per unit length acting perpendicular to the surface of the
liquid. Surface tension results in the tendency of liquids to minimize their surface area, forming
spherical droplets or causing liquids to rise in narrow tubes against gravity. This experiment aims to
measure the surface tension of water using a capillary tube method. Surface tension plays a
significant role in various natural phenomena and industrial processes.

Set up and procedure:

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Fill the beaker B with water and measure its temperature.

Wet the inside of capillary tube A with water by inserting the capillary tube into the water in beaker B,
ensuring the water level inside the tube is higher than the outside level.

Check that the water level inside the tube stabilizes and fix the tube in a clamp.

Insert pin P through cork C and place it in a clamp away from the tube.

Focus traveling microscope M on the inverted meniscus seen through it. Use a piece of paper if
needed for focusing.

Record the meniscus reading and pin reading on the microscope.

Mark the position of the meniscus A on the capillary tube.

Remove the capillary tube from B, then remove B, and focus the microscope on the tip of pin P.
Record the microscope vernier reading.

At the marked position of the meniscus A, measure two diameters at right angles at A using the
traveling microscope.

Calculate the average radius of the capillary tube.

Results:
Group members
# Name: Reg. no:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Temperature of water (T) =

Meniscus reading on microscope =

Pin reading on microscope (l) =

Diameter of capillary tube at A (d) =

Height of water column (h )

Average radius of capillary tube (r) =

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Calculations:

Calculate the surface tension (γ) of water using the formula:

Where h and r are in m, ρ is 1000kgm-3 and g = 9.8ms-2.

Conclusion:
The surface tension of water at a given temperature (T) was determined to be:
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