Question

Explain surface tension phenomenon with examples.

Answer 1

Hint: In order to answer this question, first we will explain the whole phenomenon of surface tension and then we will discuss the examples of the surface tension. And atlast we will discuss the importance of surface tension in physics.

Complete step-by-step solution:
Surface tension is the tendency of liquid surfaces to shrink to the smallest possible surface area while they are at rest. Surface tension is what allows objects that are heavier than water, i.e., denser than water, to float and slide on a water surface without getting even partially buried, such as razor blades and insects (e.g., water striders).
Surface tension is caused by the higher attraction of liquid molecules to each other (due to cohesion) than air molecules at liquid–air contacts (due to adhesion).
There are two main mechanisms at work here. One causes the liquid to compress due to an inward push on the surface molecules. A tangential force parallel to the liquid's surface is the second. Surface tension is the name given to this tangential force (per unit length). As a result, the liquid acts as if it were surrounded by a stretched elastic membrane. However, this parallel must be used with caution because the tension in an elastic membrane is determined by the degree of deformation, whereas surface tension is a feature of the liquid–air or liquid–vapour interface.
The force per unit length, or energy per unit area, is the dimension of surface tension. Although the two terms are interchangeable, when discussing energy per unit of area, it is more typical to use the phrase surface energy, which is a more broad term that also applies to solids.
Examples of the surface tension:-
$*$ Floating needle on the surface of the water.
$*$ Cleansing action of soap and detergents on clothes.
$*$ Water drops on some of the leaves' surfaces. Droplets appear to be little bubbles.
$*$ Sheets or covering materials that are rainproof or waterproof (that get rid of water).
$*$ Water bubbles emerge in a round shape when the surface tension of the water acts as the wall tension.

Note: Surface tension has a significant impact on the field of physics. This phenomena has given rise to several concepts, derivations, and formulas. Understanding the properties of liquids, viscosity, and fluidity of a substance relies heavily on surface tension.