Question

How do intermolecular forces affect surface tension?

Answer 1

Hint: The intermolecular forces are the forces that exist between the molecules and that interaction makes the bond strong or weak. One can relate this term with the surface tension and can find how they make changes in the surface tension of liquid material.

Complete step by step answer:
1) First of all, we will discuss the terms of surface tension and intermolecular forces. The surface tension is the term where it is a property of a liquid material that allows the liquid to resist the external force. The intermolecular forces give the idea about the strongness of a bond that is present between two molecules of a material.
2) Now the surface tension of a liquid gives the measurement of the elastic force which is present in the liquid's surface. The liquids materials have the intermolecular forces which are the hydrogen bonding in the case of water and it gives it the greatest surface tension.
3) Now as we know the surface tension concept is dependent on the strength of intermolecular forces, we can say that the weak and strong intermolecular forces are directly proportional to the surface tension.
Therefore, if there are weak intermolecular forces then there will be lower surface tension and if there are strong intermolecular forces there will be larger surface tension.

Note:
If the hydrogen bonds present in a liquid are removed or disrupted by the addition of another surfactant then the surface tension will decrease. The factors which affect the surface tension are temperature, concentration, pressure, viscosity, intermolecular Forces. The unique properties of liquids such as surface tension, viscosity, and capillary action are dependent on the nature of intermolecular forces.