PROPERTIES OF FLUID SURFACE TENSION Surface tension is a phenomenon in which the surface of a liquid, where the liquid is in contact

with gas, acts like a thin elastic sheet. This term is typically used only when the liquid surface is in contact with gas such as the air.

Surface tension - is defined as the ratio of the surface force F to the length L along which the force acts.
Mathematical expression, =F/L Causes of Surface Tension Various intermolecular forces draw the liquid particles together. Along the surface, the particles are pulled toward the rest of the liquid, as shown in the picture below.

Units of Surface Tension SI units 1. 2. 3. 4. N/m For cgs dyne/cm Considering thermodynamic work/ unit area = J/m2 For cgs erg/cm2

Examples of Surface Tension Drops of water When using a water dropper, the water does not flow in a continuous stream, but rather in a series of drops. The shape of the drops is caused by the surface tension of the water. The only reason the drop of water isn't completely spherical is because of the force of gravity pulling down on it. In the absence of gravity, the drop would minimize the surface area in order to minimize tension, which would result in a perfectly spherical shape. Insects walking on water Several insects are able to walk on water, such as the water strider. Their legs are formed to distribute their weight, causing the surface of the liquid to become depressed, minimizing the potential energy to create a balance of forces so that the strider can move across the surface of the water without breaking through the surface. This is similar in concept to wearing snow shoes to walk across deep snowdrifts without your feet sinking.

Fluid Mechanics

V.B.Dalisay

July 2011

PROPERTIES OF FLUID Needle (or paper clip) floating on water Even though the density of these objects is greater than water, the surface tension along the depression is enough to counteract the force of gravity pulling down on the metal object.

Surface Tension Physics Experiments & Tricks Floating Needle Another nice surface tension trick, this one makes it so that a needle will float on the surface of a glass of water. There are two variants of this trick, both impressive in their own right. Needed materials:
   

fork (variant 1) piece of tissue paper (variant 2) sewing needle glass full of water Instructions: Place the needle on the fork, gently lowering it into the glass of water. Carefully pull the fork out, and it is possible to leave the needle floating on the surface of the water. This trick requires a real steady hand and some practice, because you must remove the fork in such a way that portions of the needle do not get wet ... or the needle will sink. You can rub the needle between your fingers beforehand to "oil" it increase your success chances. Instructions: Place the sewing needle on a small piece of tissue paper (large enough to hold the needle). The needle is placed on the tissue paper. The tissue paper will become soaked with water and sink to the bottom of the glass, leaving the needle floating on the surface. Put Out Candle with a Soap Bubble This trick demonstrates how much force is caused by the surface tension in a soap bubble. Needed materials:

 lit candle

Fluid Mechanics

V.B.Dalisay

July 2011

PROPERTIES OF FLUID
 funnel  detergent or soap-bubble solution

Instructions: Coat the funnel mouth (the large end) with the detergent or bubble solution, then blow a bubble using the small end of the funnel. With practice, you should be able to get a nice big bubble, about 12 inches in diameter. Place your thumb over the small end of the funnel. Carefully bring it toward the candle. Remove your thumb, and the surface tension of the soap bubble will cause it to contract, forcing air out through the funnel. The air forced out by the bubble should be enough to put out the candle. More tricks surface tension tricks! Follow this link http://physics.about.com/od/physicsexperiments/a/surfacetension_4.htm Reference(s) Andrew Zimmerman Jones, About.com Guide, Surface Tension Andrew Zimmerman Jones, About.com Guide, Surface Tension Physics Experiments & Tricks http://physics.about.com

Fluid Mechanics

V.B.Dalisay

July 2011