SURFACE TENSION

SURFACE TENSION

1. INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
Ø The force which acts between the atoms or the molecules of different substances, is called intermolecular force.
This force is of two types.
(a) Cohesive force - The force acting between the molecules of one type of molecules of same substance
is called cohesive force.
(b) Adhesive force - The force acting between different types of molecules or molecules of different substance
is called adhesive force.
Ø Intermolecular forces are different from the gravitational forces and do not obey the inverse-square law.
Ø The distance upto which these forces effective, is called molecular range. This distance is nearly 10–9 m. Within
this limit this increases very rapidly as the distance decreases.
Ø Molecular range depends on the nature of the substance.
Ø Sphere of molecular influence-A sphere drawn about any molecule as centre with a radius equal to molecular
range is called sphere of molecular influence.
All molecules within this sphere of molecular activity of a molecule are attracted by this molecule.
Ø For the distances less than the distance between the molecules in equilibrium there is force of repulsion between
the molecules.
2. SURFACE TENSION
Ø It is molecular phenomena and it is due to electromagnetic force. It is explained on the basis of molecular
forces.
Ø The free surface of a liquid behaves like a stretched membrane
but the surface tension in liquid does not depend upon the area
of the liquid while the tension in a membrane increases as the
area under tension increases.
Ø The resultant force on the molecules well below the surface of
any liquid is zero because these molecules are attracted equally
in all directions.
Ø Any system is in equilibrium only when its potential energy is minimum.
Ø The resultant force on those molecules which are on the surface of liquid is maximum and acts downwards.
If a molecule is brought from interior of the liquid to its surface, work will have to be done against this force.
Due to this reason potential energy of the molecules lying in the surface is greater than the potential energy
of molecules in the interior of the liquid. In order to have minimum potential energy in equilibrium the liquid
surface tends to contract its area to a minimum and due to this reason surface tension is exhibited. The surface
of liquid appears stretched.
Ø The force acting in a perpendicular direction on an imaginary line of unit length drawn on the surface of liquid
F
is called surface tension. Thus T = where F is the force and L is the length of the line.
L
Ø The necessary work required to increase the surface area of a liquid by unity is called surface tension.
∆W
∴ ∆W = (∆A) × T or T =
∆A
If ∆A = 1 m2, then ∆W = T
Ø Surface tension tries to minimise the area of the liquid surface.
Ø Unit of surface tension -
M.K.S. → N/m or J/m2
C.G.S. → dyne/cm or erg/cm2
1 dyne/cm = 10–3 N/m
Dimensions – M1L0T–2
 SURFACE TENSION

3. SURFACE ENERGY AND SURFACE ENERGY DENSITY

Ø The energy of a molecules in the surface layer of a liquid is ore than the energy of a molecule in the interior.
Ø When a molecule is brought from the interior to the surface layer work has to be done against the attractive
force and the energy spent is stored energy.
Ø The surface energy per unit area is called surface energy density.
Ø The surface energy density is equal to the surface tension i.e.,

∆W
E= =T
∆A
Ø The units of surface energy density are J/m2 or ergs/m2.
Ø Dimensions of surface energy density are M1L0T–2.
4. ANGLE OF CONTACT
Ø The angle inside the liquid between the targets drawn on the solid surface and the liquid surface at the point
of contact is called angle of contact for that pair of solid and liquid.
Ø For a pair of solid and liquid the angle of contact remains constant and it does not depend on the inclination
of solid surface.
Ø The angle of contact is found to be between 0º – 180º
Ø Angle of contact is depicted in the following figure.

Ø Those liquids which wet the solids have angle of contact less than 90º and which do not wet the surface have
angle of contact greater than 90º.
Ø For pure water and clean glass θ = 0

Ø For alcohol and clean glass θ ≈ 0

Ø For mercury and glass θ = 138º

Ø Angle of contact for silver and water θ ≈ 90º

Ø On increasing the temperature the angle of contact decreases.

5. SHAPE OF MENISCUS
Ø The curved free surface of a liquid in a capillary is called meniscus.
Ø Shape of meniscus depends upon the resultant of cohesive force in liquid and adhesive force between solid
and liquid.

1
Ø When the adhesive force for a liquid-solid (Fa) = times cohesive force
2
(Fc), then the surface of liquid is plane and θ = 90º

Fc
Ø If Fa < , then θ > 90º and the surface of liquids is convex.
2

Fc
Ø If Fa > , then θ < 90º the meniscus is concave.
2

Ø The surface of liquid in meniscus is normal to the resultant of Fa and

Fc because the liquid surface can not bear the tangential shearing force.
 SURFACE TENSION

6. RISE OR FALL OF LIQUID IN CAPILLARY

Ø If a capillary is dipped vertically in a liquid, the liquid rises or falls in the capillary .
Ø The liquids for which θ < 90º, their level rises up in the capillary. For example rise of water in a glass water.
Ø The liquids for which θ > 90º, their level falls in the capillary. For example fall of mercury in a glass tube.
Ø The rise or fall of liquid in a capillary is due to surface tension.
(a) When a capillary is dipped in a liquid, the surface of liquid inside it becomes curved. It is concave for water
2T
and convex surface of liquid is less than the pressure about the surface by .
R
(b) The pressure is same at all points in a horizontal level of the liquid. As the pressure inside the capillary
2T
tube is less by an amount , therefore, to make up this deficiency of pressure water rises in the capillary
R

2T 2T
tube upto a certain height so that the pressure of column of liquids becomes equal to i.e, hdg = , where
R R
h is height of column of liquids, d is the density of liquid and R is the radius of curved surface.
(c) If r is the radius of capillary tube and θ is the angle of contact then
 r 2T cos θ
 h + dg =
 3 r
2T cos θ
and approximately hdg =
r
r
as is negligible in comparison to h.
3

2T cos θ
Ø Rise or fall of liquid in a capillary h=
rdg
Ø From the above equation h ∝ T, h ∝ cosθ
1 1
h ∝ , h ∝ ,
r d
1
h∝ g

Ø If the length of a capillary tube is insufficient i.e, l < h and it is dipped in liquid, then the liquid will rise upto
full length but the liquid will not come out and the curvature of meniscus will change.

2T
If a liquid of density d and surface tension T rises to a height h then hdg = , where R is the radius of
R
curvature of the surface of liquid.

2T
∴ hR = dg = constant

If the height of capillary is insufficient, say h’, then at the top the curvature of surface will change to a value
R’ such that
2T
h’R’ = hR = dg

Ø If an vertical capillary tube a liquid rises to a height h then on tilting

the capillary by an angle the vertical height of liquid still remains the
same i.e, h but he length of liquid column depends on the angle φ.
h = l cosφ and l = (h / cosφ)
for φ = 60°, l = 2h
 SURFACE TENSION

Ø Jurin’s law - The height h to which a liquids rises or falls in a capillary tube is inversely proportional to the
radius of capillary i.e,

1
h∝ or h1r1 = h2r2
r
Ø If the radius of a capillary is r, the radius of curvature of meniscus is R and angle of
contact is θ, then R = r/cosθ or r = R cosθ
Ø Whether the liquids wets or does not wet the solid surface, it is due to the influence
of cohesive and adhesive forces.
Ø If adhesive force between the molecules of liquid and solid >> cohesive force between
the molecules of liquids then the molecules of liquid stick to the solid.
Ø If adhesive force < cohesive force, then the molecules of liquid do not stick to the solid
and does not wet the surface.
Ø As the pressure just below the meniscus is less than the atmospheric pressure the liquids rises in the capillary.
7. DETERMINATION OF SURFACE TENSION BY JAEGER’S METHOD
This method is based on the fact that the pressure inside an air bubble formed in a liquid is greater than the
2T
external pressure . If the radius of bubble is r, then the excess pressure = . This excess pressure is measured
r
in the Jaeger’s experiment.
Ø The surface tension is given by
rg
T= (HD – hd)
2
r = radius of capillary
H = difference of liquid level in manometer
D = density of liquid in manometer
h = length of immersed portion of capillary
d = density of liquid.
Ø From this method the variation of surface tension with temperature can be studied.

Ø From this method the effect of impurity on surface tension is also studied.
Ø On increasing temperature the surface tension decreases.
Ø On mixing a soluble substance the surface tension decreases. For example solution of soap.
8. EXCESS OF PRESSURE DUE TO SURFACE TENSION
Ø There is difference of pressure outside and inside the curved surface of liquid as in a bubble and drop of a
liquid. This is called excess pressure. This excess pressure is produced due to surface tension.
2T
Ø Excess pressure inside the drop of a liquid p = Internal pressure – External pressure =
r
r = radius of drop
T = surface tension
 SURFACE TENSION

4T
Ø Due to the two surfaces of a soap bubble excess pressure inside it =
r
where r – radius of bubble

2T
Ø Inside an air bubble in a liquids the excess pressure =
r
Ø If the surface is curved in two directions and r1 and r2 are the radii of curvatures then the excess pressure inside
it will be

1 1
p = T + 
 r1 r2 

For a spherical surface r1 = r2 = r r2

2T r1
∴ Excess pressure =
r
For a cylindrical surface r1 = r1 & r2 = ∞

1
∴ Excess pressure =
r

1 1
Ø If the radii of curvatures are in opposite direction, then the excess pressure = T r − r 
 1 2

Ø If two bubbles of radii r1 and r2 coalesce, then the radius of new bubble will be r = r12 + r22

Ø If two bubbles of radii r1 and r2 (r1 < r2) come in contact with each other then the radius of curvature of the
common surface r is given by

1 1 1 r1r2
= − or r=
r r1 r2 r2 − r1

Ø If the radii of the two arms of a U-tube are unequal the difference in levels in the two arms will be

2T  1 1 
h1 − h 2 =  −  cos θ
g  r1 r2 

Ø If a hollow sphere of radius r has a fine hole and it is immersed in a liquid, the liquid does not enter
the sphere till the force due to liquid becomes greater than the force due to surface tension. If the critical
depth is h, then -

πr 2hdg = 2πrT cos θ

2T cos θ
or hdg ==
r
If θ = 0 then

2T cos θ 2T
h = =
rdg rdg

9. BREAKING OF A BIG DROP

If a big drop of radius R breaks up into n small drops each of radius r, then as volume of liquid remains constant

4 4
πR 3 = n π r 3
3 3
R3 = nr3 or R = rn1/3
 SURFACE TENSION

3
R3 R R
or n = =   and r =
r 3
r n1 / 3

Ø The increase in surface area due to breaking of big drop into small drops :
∆A = n(4πr2) – 4πR2 = 4π (nr2 – R2)

 2
2  nr

4 πR − 1
=  R2 
 

The work done in breaking a drop

W = 4πnr2T – 4πR2T

= T( 4πnr 2 − 4πR 2 )

 2
2  nr

4 πR T − 1
=  R2 
 

 nR 2 
= 4πTR  2 2 / 3 − 1
2

 R n 

[
= 4 πTR 2 n1 / 3 − 1 ]
2 R 
= 4πTR  − 1
r 

3 1 1
= 4πTR  − 
 r R 
When a big drop of liquid is broken up into small drops, the temperature decreases. If decreases in temperature
is ∆θ, then

4
W= JQ = J πR 3 ds∆θ
3

3T  1 1 
∴ ∆θ =  − 
Jsd  r R 
d = density of liquid
J = mechanical equivalent of heat
s = specific heat of liquid
If a big drop is formed by coalescing n small drops, then the temperature increases.
10. FORMATION OF A BIGGER DROP WHEN N-SMALL DROPS COALESCE
1/3
Radius of bigger drop R = rn
Decrease in surface area

 nr 2 
 
∆A = 4πR 1 − 2 
2

 R 

The increase in temperature

3T  1 1 
∆θ =  − 
Jsd  r R 
 SURFACE TENSION

11. WORK DONE IN BLOWING A SOAP BUBBLE

By blowing a soap bubble of radius r1 a bubble of radius r2 is formed, the work done

= 2 × 4πT (r22 − r12 ) = 8πT(r22 − r12 )

because there are two surfaces of soap bubble.
12. LIQUID FILM BETWEEN TWO PARALLEL PLATES
Ø If a liquid film of area A and thickness t is formed in between two parallel plates, the necessary force required
to separate the plates.
Glass plate

Liquid film

Two parallel vertical plates keeping the distance between the plates very small, are dipped partically in liquid,
the liquid would rise in between them. The height of liquid

2T cos θ
h = dgt

13. DEPENDENCE OF SURFACE TENSION ON TEMPERATURE

Ø The surface tension of liquid decreases as the temperature increases.
Ø At critical temperature the surface tension becomes zero.
Ø The surface tension of water at 0ºC is 75.6 × 10–3 N/m, at 25ºC it is 72 × 10–3 N/m and at 50ºC it is
67.9 × 10–3 N/m.
14. SOME EFFECTS OF SURFACE TENSION
Ø Drops of rain are spherical because for a given volume the surface area of a sphere is minimum.
Ø A needle can be made to float on the surface of liquid.
Ø Spreading of hair on dipping a brush of camel’s hair in water and clinging together on taking out of the water.
Ø Rise of oil in wicks.
Ø Spreading of ink and absorption of ink by newspaper.
Ø To and fro rapid motion of objects on water when camphor is stuck on the surface of objects.
Ø Coldness produced by spraying.
Ø Dancing of camphor on the surface of water.
15. SOME IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SURFACE
Small drops of mercury are spherical and large drops are flat.

Reason - When a drop of any liquid is put on a horizontal glass-plate, is shape is governed by two forces,
one is due to surface tension and another is gravitational force. The drops acquire such a shape in which its
potential energy is minimum. If only surface tension were acting on a drop, its potential energy would be minimum
when its area is minimum. For a given volume the surface area of a sphere is minimum. Therefore the drop
would be spherical. On the other hand if gravity along were acting on a drop then its potential energy would
be minimum when its centre of gravity is at the lowest position, so the drop would spread.
For every small drops potential energy due to gravity is almost negligible as compared to the potential energy
due to surface tension. Therefore the shape of the drop is determined by the surface tension and it should
become spherical. As the size of the drop increases, the gravity becomes more and more effective and the
drop loses its spherical shape in trying to be flattened. For every large drops the potential energy due to gravity
has the predominant influence. Hence leaving the corners, the drop spreads out flat.
Drop of oil in the mixture of water and alcohol is spherical when the density of mixture is equal to that of oil.
A drop of oil placed on a clear surface of water spreads out in the form of thin film but scatters into small
 SURFACE TENSION

drops when placed on a smooth surface.

Mercury placed on a horizontal glass surface has a tendency to spread out but water does not have such a
tendency.
The angle of contact for water-silver pair is 90º, so the surface of water in a silver vessel remains horizontal.
There is pressure difference between the points on the two sides of curved surface of a liquid.
When a bid drop is formed by coalescing large number of small drop the surface area decreases due to which
the surface energy also decreases. On the other hand if a drop is divided into small drops, then the surface
area increases due to which the surface energy also increases.
It we take a rectangular frame of wire with a wire of length l placed across it and a liquid film is formed on
it, the wire will experience a force
F = 2Tl
If a soap bubble is charged its size increases due to the outward electrical pressure.
If two soap bubbles of unequal sizes are blown at the ends of a tube as shown in the figure, when they are
connected by opening the values V1 and V2, air flows from the smaller one to the bigger one. This is because
the excess pressure of air inside a bubble is inversely proportional to its radius. As a result the smaller one
goes on shrinking and the bigger one goes no swelling.
The presence of dust particle is necessary for the formation of rain drops because angle of contact is 90º.
It is difficult to fill mercury in a thin capillary for glass and mercury is obtuse, due to which the surface of mercury
is convex and its level descends.
In a state of weightlessness if a capillary tube is dipped in water. Water will rise in the capillary tube upto
the top of the tube.
In a state of weightlessness, if one tries to keep the liquid in a breaker, the liquid will start floating in the form
of small drops. This state is found in satellites.
On rubbing wax on cloth, it becomes water proof.
If there is liquid water layer in between two plates of the glass, then in order to separate them normally more
force has to be applied but they can be separated easlity by sliding.
When small pieces of camphor are sprayed on a clean surface of water, they start dancing on the surface.
It is due to surface tension. If drops of oil are poured on the water surface, the motion of pieces of camphor
will stop at once because layer of oil on the surface of water reduces the surface tension as compared to the
surface tension of the camphor solution.
On dipping one end of a towel in water filled in a vessel, the water rises through the capillaries formed in between
the threads of the towel and ultimately the entire tower becomes wet.
In a circular tube of glass whose one end in closed and made heavier is floated in water in such a way that
it remains vertical and the closed end is at a distance l below the liquids surface the force acting downwards
on the tube = (2πT = mg)
Force of buoyancy acting upwards on the tube = weight of water displaced by the tube
= πr2lρg, where ρ is the density of water.
In equilibrium position of tube

πr 2lρg = 2πrT + mg

 2πrT + mg 
∴ l= 
 πr 2ρg 
 
Two soap bubbles whose radii are R1 and R2 coalesce to form a new bubble whose radius is R. If P is the
atmospheric pressure and T is the surface tension of the soap solution, then
P (R13 + R 32 − R 3 ) = 4T(R 2 − R12 − R 22 )
Let P1 and P2 are the pressures inside the soap bubbles before coalescing and P’ is the pressure inside new
bubble, then
4T
P1 = P +
R1
 SURFACE TENSION

4T
P2 = P +
R2

4T
and P’ = P +
R
If V1, V2 and V’ are the volumes of bubbles, then

4
V1 = πR13
3

4
V2 = πR 32
3

4
V’ = πR 3
3
If the temperature remains constant during the formation of bubbles, then from the Boyle’s law
P1V1 + P2V2 = P’V’

 4T   4   4T  4 
 P +   πR13  +  P +  πR 32 
 R1  4   R 2   3 

 4T   4 
= P +   πR 3 
 R  3 

or P [R13 + R 32 − R 3 ] = 4T [R 2 − R12 − R 22 ]
Two soap bubbles whose radii are R1 and R2 coalesce to form a bubble of radius R. The atmospheric pressure
is P. If change in volume of air inside bubble is V and change in area of whole surface is S, then
3PV + 4ST = 0
As already proved

 4T   4   4T   4 
 P +   πR13  +  P +   πR 32 
 R1   3   R2   3 

 4T   4 
= P +   πR 3 
 R  3 
Rearranging

4
 3
3 4
3
3 4
3
3
P  πR1 + πR 2 − πR  +

4T
3
[
4 πR12 + 4πR 22 − 4πR 2 = 0 ]
4 4 4
But πR13 + πR 32 − πR 3 = V (change in volume)
3 3 3

4πR12 + 4πR 22 − 4πR 2 = S (change in area)

4T
Hence PV + S=0
3
or 3PV + 4TS = 0
A barometer is made by two capillaries whose radii are R1 and R2. The height of liquid in nanower tube is greater
than the height of liquid in broader tube by h metre. The pressure difference in the tubes will be
 SURFACE TENSION

 1 1 
P1 – P2 = hdg – 2T  R − R 
 1 2 
where T is the surface tension of liquid.
The force acting on a hemispherical bubble due to surface tension is -
F = 4πrT
For a given length the area enclosed by it is maximum for a circle and for a given volume the surface area
is minimum for a sphere.
If water resistive powder is added to water its angle of contact with a solid surface and the surface tension
both increase.
Fountain pen nib is split in the middle so that a fine capillary is formed in it. When it is dipped in ink, the
ink rises in the capillary .
Oil is sprinkled on sea waves to calm them down.
On heating the ends of a glass rod to a very high temperature, its ends become rounded.
A drop of oil placed on the surface of water spreads out but a drop of water placed on oil contracts to a spherical
shape.
If a capillary made from paraffin wax is dipped in water, water will descend instead of rising.
The moisture is retained on ploughing a field because the capillaries formed in the soil are borken due to ploughing
the field. Due to which water in the lower layers of the soil does not rise. If ploughing is not done, the water
of the lower layers rises through the capillaries formed in the soil and reaches the upper surface of the soil
and evaporated.
 SURFACE TENSION

SOLVED EXAMPLE
Ex.1 A liquid drop of diameter 2.8mm splits into 125 equal drops. If the surface tension of liquid is 75 dyne/cm,
then change in surface energy will be -

Sol. ∆E = 4π(r 2 n − R2 )T

 R 2n 
∆E = 4π  2 / 3 − R 2  T
n 

= 4 π[R 2n1/ 3 − R2 ]T
∆E = 4πR2T[n1/3 – 1]

∆E = 4 × 3.14 × (14 × 10 −2 )2 × 75[(125)1/ 3 − 1]

= 4 × 3.14 × (14 × 10–2)2 [5 – 1] × 75
= 16 × 314 × 10–2 × 14 × 14 × 10–4 × 75
∆E = 74 erg
Ex.2 The radii of two soap bubbles are R1 and R2 . If they coaleasce, then the radius of curvature of the common
surface will be -
4T
Sol. Excess pressure is first bubble P1 = R
1

4T
Excess pressure in second bubble P2 = R
2

Excess pressure on common surface P = P1 – P2

4T 4T 4T
= −
R R1 R 2
1 1 1
or = −
R R1 R 2
R1R 2
or R=
R 2 − R1
Ex.3 The pressure in an air bubble just below the water surface is (surface tension of liquid is 72 dyne/cm and atmospheric
pressure = 1.013 × 105 N/m2, Radius of bubble = 0.1mm)

2T
Sol. Excess pressure in the bubble P =
r
P’ = atmospheric pressure + excess pressure
P’ = P + p
P’ = 1440 + 1.013 × 105
= 0.0144 × 105 + 1.013 × 105
P’ = 1.0274 × 105 N/m2
Ex.4 A paper disc of radius R from which a hole of radius r is cut out, is floating in a liquid of surface tension T.
The force on the disc due to surface tension will be -

F
Sol. T =
L

F
T =
2π(R + r )
∴ F = 2π (R + r) T
 SURFACE TENSION
Ex.5 Two capillaries of same materials are dipped into a liquid. If the heights of liquid risen in them are 2.2 cm and
6.6 cm then the ratio of their radii is -
r1 h 2
Sol. =
r2 h1
r1 6.6
=
r2 2.2

r1 3
=
r2 1
Ex.6 Water rises in a capillary tube upto a height of 10 cm whereas mercury depresses in it by 3.42 cm. If the
angle of contact and density of mercury are 135º and 13.6 gm/cc respectively then the ratio of the surface
tension of water and mercury will be -

rg h 1d1
Sol. Q Twater =
2 cos θ1

rg h2 d2
Tmercury = 2 cos θ
2

Twater h d cos θ 2
or T = 1 1
mercury h 2 d2 cos θ1

Twater 10 × 1× cos135º
=
Tmercury 3.42 × 13.6 × cos0º

Q cos135º = –0.71

Twater 1
or T =
mercury 6 .5

Ex.7 Two soap bubbles of radii 2 × 10–3 m and 4 × 10–3 m coaleasce (see fig.) If the surface tension of liquid is
7 × 10–2 N/m then the radius of curvature of the common surface will be-

–3
2×10 m R2
o
I R1 o –3
4×10 m II

R
Sol. Let the radius of curvature of the common surface is R
Q P = P1 – P2

4T 4T 4T
P = R , P1 = R , P2 = R
1 2

1 1 1
∴ R =R −R
1 2

1 1 1 1
= −
− −
=
R 2 × 10 3
4 × 10 3
4 × 10 −3

R = 4 × 10–3 m Ans.
 SURFACE TENSION

Ex.8 PQRS is a rectangular frame of copper wire shown in fig. The side RS of the frame is movable. If a soap film
is formed on it then the diameter of the wire to maintain equilibrium will be (given surface tension of soap solution
= 0.045 N/m and density of copper = 8.96 × 103 kg/m3)
P Q
soap film
Rectangular
frame

R S
movable side
Sol. Force due to surface tension = weight of wire
2Tl = mg = πr2ldg

2T
or r = πdg

2 × 0.045
or r =
3.14 × 8.96 × 10 3 × 9.8

r = 0.6 × 10–3 m
rl = 0.6mm
diameter = 2rl = 1.2 mm
Ex.9 Two soap bubbles of radii r1 and r2 combine to form a bigger bubble under isothermal condition. The radius of
bigger bubble will be-
Sol. Under isothermal condition
PV = P1V1 + P2V2
P, P1, P2 are excess pressure in the bubbles.

4T 4 3 4T 3 4T 3
∴ πr = πr1 + πr2
r 3 r1 r2

r 2 = r12 + r22 or r = r12 + r22

Ex.10 Drops of liquid of density d are floating half immersed in a liquid of density ρ. If the surface tension of liquid
is T then the radius of the drop will be -
Sol. Force due to surface tension of drop + force of buoyancy = weight of drop

1 4 3 4
2πrT + × πr ρg = πr 3 dg
2 3 3
solving for r

3T
r=
g(2d − ρ)
 SURFACE TENSION

EXERCISE # 1
Q.1 The surface tension of a liquid at critical temperature is -
[1] zero [2] 72 dyne [3] infinity [4] negative
Q.2 Water rises in an 18 cm high capillary tube upto a height of 16.3 cm from water level. If the capillary is cut
at 12 cm height then water in it will -
[1] be 10.3 high [2] be fixed at 12 cm height
[3] flow from sides [4] overflow as fountain
Q.3 Water rises in a capillary tube upto such a height that the up dragging force due to surface tension is balanced
by the weight of liquid column. The weight of liquid column is 75 × 10–4 N. If the surface tension of water
is 6 × 10–2 n/m then the internal perimeter of capillary is -
[1] 1.25 × 10–2 m [2] 0.5 × 10–2 m [3] 6.5 × 10–2 m [4] 12.5 × 10–2 m
Q.4 Water rises in a capillary upto a height of 2cm. If the radius of some different capillary is one fourth that of
the first tube then to what height water will rise in it -
[1] 6 cm [2] 8 cm [3] 2 cm [4] 1 cm
Q.5 Water rises in a straight capillary tube upto a height of 5 cm when held vertical in water. If the tube is bent
as shown in fig. then the height of water column in it will be -

[1] 5 cm [2] less than 5 cm [3] more than 5 cm [4] 5 cos α

Q.6 Water rises in a capillary upto a height of 4 cm. If it is titled to 30º from the vertical, then the length of water
column in it will be -

8
[1] cm [2] 8 3 cm [3] 4 cm [4] 2 cm
3
Q.7 As compared to a thicker capillary tube, the water in a thinner capillary tube -
[1] rises less [2] rises more [3] depresses less [4] depresses more
Q.8 If work done in blowing a bubble of volume V is W, then the work done in blowing another bubble of volume
2V will be -

[1] 2W [2] W [3] 2W [4] 22 / 3 W

Q.9 A rectangular film of liquid is 5 cm long and 3cm wide. If the work done in increasing its area to 6 cm ×
5 cm is 3 × 10–4 Joule then the surface tension of liquid will be -
[1] 1 Joule/m2 [2] 0.1 Joule/m2 [3] 10 Joule/m2 [4] 72 Joule/m2
Q.10 The length of needle floating on the surface of water is 1.5 cm. The force in addition to its weight required
to lift the needle from water surface will be (surface tension of water = 7.5 N/cm) -
[1] 22.5 Newton [2] 2.25 Newton [3] 0.25 Newton [4] 225 Newton
Q.11 The ratio of the radii of two air bubbles inside a liquid is 4 : 1. The ratio of excess pressure in them will be
[1] 1 : 4 [2] 4 : 1 [3] 16 : 1 [4] 1 : 16
Q.12 If a wax coated capillary tube is dipped in water, then water in it will -
[1] rise up [2] depress
[3] sometimes rise and sometimes fall [4] rise up and come out as a fountain
Q.13 The soap and the detergent make water suitable for washing clothes because they -
[1] make it rich in lather [2] increase its density
[3] reduce its hardness [4] reduce its surface tension
Q.14 A drop of oil is put on water surface. Which of the following statements is correct -
[1] the drop spreads in the form of a thin film [2] the drop remains spherical on water surface
[3] the drop gets distorted and keeps on floating on water surface
[4] the drop partially spreads and partially maintains its spherical shape.
 SURFACE TENSION

Q.15 The water proofing agent makes the angle of contact -

[1] from acute angle to obtuse angle [2] from obtuse angle to acute angle
[3] from obtuse angle to right angle [4] from acute angle to right angle
Q.16 The ring of radius 1m is lying on the surface of liquid. It is lifted from the liquid surface by a force of 4 Newtons
in such a way that the liquid film in it remains intact. The surface tension of liquid will be -
1 1 1 1
[1] N/m [2] N / m [3] N/m [4] N/m
2π π 3π 4π
Q.17 A drop of water of volume 0.05 cm3 is pressed between two glass plates, as a consequence of which it spreads
and occupies an area of 40 cm2 . If the surface tension of water is 70 dyne/cm, then the normal force required
to separate out the two glass plates will be in Newton -
[1] 90 [2] 45 [3] 22.5 [4] 450
Q.18 When water rises in a capillary tube of radius r to height h, then its potential energy is U1. If capillary tube
of radius 2r is dipped in same water then potential energy of water is U2. The ratio U1 : U2 will be-
[1] 1 : 1 [2] 1 : 2 [3] 2 : 1 [4] 1 : 4
Q.19 If a capillary tube is tilted to 45º and 60º from the vertical then the ratio of length l1 and l2 of liquid columns
in it will be -
[1] 1 : 2 [2] 2 : 1 [3] 2 : 1 [4] 1 : 2
Q.20 A ring of radius r and weight W is lying on a liquid surface. If the surface tension of the liquid is T, then the
minimum force required to be applied in order to lift the ring up -
[1] W [2] 2W [3] W + 4πrT [4] W + 2πrT
Q.21 The surface tension of cold water as compared to that of hot water is -
2T 4T
[1] less [2] more [3] [4]
r r
Q.22 There are two thin films, A of liquid and B of polyethyene, identical in size. They are being pulled with same
maximum weight W. If the breadth of the films is increased from b to 2b then the corresponding weights
will be respectively -
W W W
[1] W, W [2] [3] , W [4] W,
2 2 2
Q.23 A square frame of side L is dipped into a liquid. When taken out of liquid, a liquid film is formed in it. The
surface tension of liquid is T. The resultant force on the frame will be -
[1] 4TL [2] 8TL [3] zero [4] none of these
Q.24 A liquid is filled into a tube with semi elliptical cross section as shown in the figure. The ratio of the surface
tension forces on the curved part and the plane part of the tube in vertical position will be -
b
a

π(a + b ) 2πa πa π(a − b )

[1] [2] [3] [4]
4b b 4b 4b
Q.25 The surface tension of a liquid is 0.5 N/m. If a liquid film is formed on a ring of area 0.02 m2 then its surface
energy will be -
[1] 0.01 joule [2] 0.02 joule [3] 0.03 joule [4] 0.04 joule
Q.26 A capillary tube of radius 0.25 mm is submerged vertically in water so that 25 mm of its length is outside
water. The radius of curvature of the meniscus will be (S.T. of water = 75 × 10–3 N/m) -
[1] 0.2 mm [2] 0.4 mm [3] 0.6 mm [4] 0.8 mm

ANSWER KEY EXERCISE # 1

Qus. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 1 2 4 2 1 1 2 4 2 1 1 2 4 1 1
Qus. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Ans. 2 2 1 1 3 2 4 3 1 2 3
 SURFACE TENSION

EXERCISE # 2
Q.1 Surface tension of a soap liquid is 2 × 10–2 N/m. Work done to form a bubble of 1 cm. radius will be -
[RPMT-98]
[1] 4π × 10–6 J [2] 8π × 10–6 J [3] 12π × 10–6 J [4] 16π × 10–6 J
Q.2 The value of contact angle for kerosene with solid surface is - [RPMT-2000]
[1] 0 [2] 90º [3] 45º [4] 33º
Q.3 When a larger drop is made from two smaller drops then energy is - [RPMT-2000]
[1] evolved [2] absorbed
[3] there is no exchange of heat [4] none of the above
Q.4 The correct relation is - [RPMT-2000]

2T cos θ hdg 2Tdgh T cos θ

[1] r = [2] r = [3] r = [4] r = 2hdg
hdg 2T cos θ cos θ
Q.5 A shell having a hole of radius r is dipped in water. It holds the water upto a depth of h then the value of
r is - [RPMT-2000]
2T T Tg
[1] r = hdg [2] r = hdg [3] r = [4] none of these
hd
Q.6 It is easy to wash clothes in hot water because its - [RPMT-2000]
[1] surface tension is more [2] surface tension is less
[3] consumes less soap [4] none of these above
Q.7 Ratio of radii of two soap bubbles is 2 : 1 then the ratio of their excess pressures will be - [RPET-98]
[1] 2 : 1 [2] 4 : 1 [3] 1 : 4 [4] 1 : 2
Q.8 A hollow sphere has inner volume half the outer volume. Its 4/5th part is submerged when placed in water.
The density of material is - [RPET-2000]
[1] 1.4 × 103 kg/m3 [2] 1.5 × 103 kg/m3 [3] 1.6 × 103 kg/m3 [4] 17 × 103 kg/m3
Q.9 If pressure at half the depth of a lake is equal to 2/3 pressure at the bottom of the lake, then what is the
depth of the lake - [RPET-2000]
[1] 10 m [2] 20 m [3] 60 m [4] 30 m
Q.10 Water rises upto a height h in a capillary on the surface of earth in stationary condition. Value of h increases
if this tube is taken - [RPET-2000]
[1] on sun [2] on poles
[3] in a lift going upwards with acceleration [4] In a lift going downwards with acceleration
Q.11 Many small mercury droplets are joined to form a big drop. Temperature of mercury - [RPET-2000]
[1] Increases [2] Decrease [3] Remains same [4] None of the above
Q.12 The value of the surface tension of a liquid is 70 dyne/cm. What will be its value in N/m - [CPMT-96]
[1] 70 N/m [2] 7 × 10–2 N/m [3] 7 × 102 N/m [4] 7 × 103 N/m
Q.13 The force of cohesion is - [CPMT-96]
[1] maximum in solids [2] maximum in liquid
[3] same in different matters [4] maximum in gases
Q.14 A spherical drop of water has radius 1 mm. If surface tension of water is 70 × 10–3 N/m, difference of pressure
between inside and outside of the spherical drop is - [CPMT-2000]
[1] 35 N/m2 [2] 70 N/m2 [3] 140 N/m2 [4] zero
Q.15 A soap bubble (S.T. 30 dyne/cm) has radius of 1 cm. The work done in doubling its radius would be -
[1] 96 erg [2] 113.5 erg [3] 20 erg [4] 2261 erg [AIIMS-98]
Q.16 A liquid drop of diameter D breaks into 27 tiny drops. The resultant change in energy is -
[1] 2π TD2 [2] 4π TD2 [3] πTD2 [4] none of these
Q.17 A big drop of radius R is formed by 1000 small droplets of water, then the radius of small drop is -

R R R R
[1] [2] [3] [4] [AFMC-98]
2 3 5 10
 SURFACE TENSION

Q.18 A drop of liquid having radius 2mm has a terminal velocity 20 cm/sec, the terminal velocity of a drop of 1mm
radius will be- [AFMC-2000]
[1] 40 cm/s [2] 20 cm/s [3] 10 cm/s [4] 5 cm/s
Q.19 If a liquid does not wet glass, its angle of contact is - [KCET-98]
[1] Acute [2] A right angle [3] zero [4] Obtuse
Q.20 The angle of contact for those liquids, which do not wet a capillary tube, is - [RPMT-99]
[1] 0º [2] 90º [3] <90º [4] >90º
Q.21 Due to which of the following properties of water, the camphor keeps on moving on water surface - [RPMT-99]
[1] viscosity [2] surface tension [3] weight [4] force of buoyancy
Q.22 When 106 smaller drops of a liquid are combined to form a new bigger drop, then its - [RPMT-99]
[1] density will decrease [2] density will increase
[3] temperature will increase [4] temperature will decrease
Q.23 The work done in doubling the radius of a soap bubble of radius 2cm will be (S.T. of soap solution = 3 dyne/cm)
[1] 9.023 × 103 erg [2] 4.521 × 103 erg [RPMT-99]
3 3
[3] 2.695 × 10 erg [4] 1.507 × 10 erg
Q.24 The mass of water risen in a capillary tube when dipped in water is m. The mass of water risen in a capillary
tube of double the diameter will be - [RPET-99]
m
[1] m [2] 2m [3] 4m [4]
2
Q.25 The work done in increasing the size of a soap film from 10 cm × 6 cm to 10 cm × 11 cm is 3 × 10–4 joule.
The surface tension of the film is - [MPPET-99]
[1] 1.5 × 10–2 N/m [2] 3.0 × 10–2 N/m [3] 6.0 × 10–2 N/m [4] 11.0 × 10–2 N/m
Q.26 At which of the following temperatures, the value of surface tension of water is minimum - [MPPET-99]
[1] 4ºC [2] 25ºC [3] 0ºC [4] 75ºC
Q.27 Nature of meniscus for liquid of 0º angle of contact - [RPET-2001]
[1] Plane [2] Parabolic [3] Semi-spherical [4] Cylindrical
Q.28 Spherical shape of a water drop is due to - [AFMC-2001]
[1] surface tension [2] adhesion [3] gravity [4] density
Q.29 Kerosene rises in the wicks of a stove due to the property - [RPMT-2001]
[1] High viscosity [2] Low density
[3] Due to capillary action [4] Evaporation of oil at law temperature
2
Q.30 A liquid film is formed in a loop of area 0.05m . Increase in its potential energy will be (T = 0.2 N/m) [RPMT-2002]
[1] 0.5 × 10–2 J [2] 2 × 10–2 J [3] 3 × 10–2 J [4] none of these
Q.31 If the surface tension of liquid is T, the work required to be done to increase its surface area by A, is
A
[1] A × T [2] [3] 2A × T [4] A2 × T [RPMT-2002]
T
Q.32 In Jager’s method, at the time of bursting of the bubble - [RPET-2002]
[1] the internal pressure of the bubble is always greater than external pressure
[2] the internal pressure of the bubble is always equal to external pressure
[3] the internal pressure of the bubble is always less than external pressure
[4] the internal pressure of the bubble is always slightly greater than external pressure
Q.33 A 20cm long capillary tube is dipped in water. The water rises up to 8 cm. If the entire arrangement is put
in a freely falling elevator the length of water column in the capillary tube will be - [AIEEE-2005]
[1] 4 cm [2] 20 cm
[3] 8 cm [4] 10 cm

ANSWER KEY EXERCISE # 2

Qus. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 4 1 1 1 1 2 4 3 2 4 4 2 1 3 4
Qus. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 1 4 4 4 4 2 3 1 2 2 4 3 1 3 2
Qus. 31 32 33
Ans. 1 1 2