Friday the 1st of September 2023

Focus: Combined Science.

Learning Objective: I can understand the concept of surface
tension and its effects on different liquids.

Science
You will need: Key vocabulary:
Exercise Book; Pencil Case; Exercise book Surface, Tension, Liquid
 Exploring the concept of surface
tension.
Surface tension is a fascinating phenomenon in the world of
liquids, giving rise to the formation of a "skin" or
"membrane" on the surface of the liquid. It occurs due to the
cohesive forces between the molecules of the liquid, creating
an invisible barrier that resists external forces and minimises
the surface area.
 Introduction:
Cohesive
Forces:
Cohesive forces are the attractive
forces between molecules of the
same substance. In a liquid, these
forces are responsible for keeping
the molecules together, resisting any
attempts to separate them. They
arise from various interactions, such
as van der Waals forces and
hydrogen bonding in some liquids.
Surface In a liquid, the molecules on the surface experience an
Molecules: imbalance of forces. While molecules within the liquid are
attracted to neighbouring molecules from all sides, those on
the surface have fewer neighbouring molecules to interact
with. This results in a net inward pull on the surface
molecules due to cohesive forces.

___________________________________________________

The molecules at the surface rearrange themselves to

Minimising minimize the surface area exposed to the air. This
behaviour is similar to how a rubber band contracts when
Surface Area: stretched. The molecules at the surface pull each other
inward, forming a cohesive "skin" that resists any attempt
to expand the surface.
 1.Droplet Formation: Surface tension causes
Effects of liquids to form droplets when poured or when in
contact with surfaces. This is evident when water
Surface Tension: beads up on a surface instead of spreading out.
2.Capillary Action: Surface tension also plays a
role in capillary action, where liquids can rise in
thin tubes against the force of gravity. This occurs
because cohesive forces pull the liquid up the sides
of the tube.
3.Insect Mobility: Small insects like water striders
are able to "walk" on water due to surface tension.
Their legs don't break the surface tension, allowing
them to stay on the water's surface.
4.Soap and Detergents: Substances like soap and
detergents can disrupt surface tension. They have
molecules with hydrophilic (water-attracting) and
hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts that reduce the
cohesive forces at the surface.
 Importance of
1. Surface tension is not only a fascinating
Surface Tension: scientific concept but also has practical
applications. It impacts various natural and
industrial processes, from how plants transport
water to the way ink is drawn into a fountain
pen. Understanding surface tension has led to
advancements in areas such as materials science,
fluid dynamics, and even the development of
detergents and surfactants.

2. In summary, surface tension is a property of

liquids arising from cohesive forces between
molecules. It leads to the formation of a cohesive
"skin" on the liquid's surface and has
implications for diverse natural phenomena and
practical applications.