137

It is the most important topic in relation to behaviour of liquid with solid surface. From AIEEE
point of view, it is very important topic and only clear concept of this topic will help you in
solving problems of surface tension.
This book consists of theoritical & practical explanations of all the concepts involved in the
chapter. Each article followed by a ladder of illustration. At the end of the theory part, there
are miscellaneous solved examples which involve the application of multiple concepts of this
chapter.
Students are advised to go through all these solved examples in order to develope better
understanding of the chapter and to have better grasping level in the class.
SURFACE TENSION
Preface

Total number of Questions in Surface Tension are :
In Chapter Examples ............................................................ 11
Solved Examples .................................................................. 26
Total no. of questions ......................................................... 37
138
1. INTRODUCTION
1. Surface tension is property of fluid. (liquid)
2. Liquid surface behaves like a stretched elastic
membrane which has a natural tendency to
contract & tends to have a minimum possible
area. This property of liquid is called surface
tension.
Ex. When shaving brush is taken out from water,
its hairs contracts.
1.1 Defi ni ti on :
The surface tension of a liquid is defined as the
force per unit length in the plane of the liquid
surface acting at right angles on either side of an
imaginary line drawn in that surface.
(A) Let an imaginary line AB be drawn in any
direction in a liquid surface. The surface on
either side of this line exerts a pulling force,
which is perpendicular to line AB.
If force is F & length of AB is L.
then T =
F
L
(B) UNITS :
(i) N/m (ii) dyne/cm (iii) J /m
2
(iv) erg/cm
2
(C) Di mensi on : M
1
L
0
T
-2
(D) At constant temperature surface tension is
equal to the work done per unit increase in
surface area of free liquid surface.
so T =
W
A A
Where w is work and AA is increase in
area.
Ex.1 The length of a needle floating on water is
2.5 cm. Calculate the added force required
to pull the needle out of water.
T =7.2 x 10
-4
N/m
Sol. The force of surface tension F =T.2
|Two free surface]
F =7.2 10
-4
2 2.5 10
2
=3.6 10
3
N
Ex.2 A film of water is formed between two straight
parallel wires each 10cm long and at
separation 0.5cm. Calculate the work required
to increase 1mm distance between wires.
[T = 72 10
3
N/m]
Sol. Initial surface area =2 length separation.
=2 10 .5 = 10cm
2
= 10 10
4
m
2
Final surface area =2 10 (.5 + .1)
=2 10 .6 cm
2
=12 10
4
m
2
The required work =w = T AA
=72 10
3
(12 10
4
10 10
4
)
=144 10
7
J .
Note: Additional potential energy of molecules per
unit area of surface layer of liquid is defined as
surface energy, which is equal to surface tension.
2. DEPENDENCE OF SURFACE TENSION
1. Cohesive forces
Those factor which increases cohesive force
between molecules increases surface tension
& those decreases cohesive forces between
molecules decreases surface tension.
2. Impurities
If the impurity is completely soluble then on
mixing it in the liquid, its surface tension
increases.
e.g. On dissolving ionic salts in small
quantities in a liquid, its surface tension
increase on dissolving salt in water, its surface
tension increases.
3. Solubi li ty of impuri ty
If the impurity is partially soluble in a liquid
then its surface tension decreases, because
adhesive force between insoluble impurity
molecules & liquid molecules decreases
cohesive force effectively
e.g. (i) On mixing detergent in water its
surface tension decreases.
(ii) Surface tension of water is more than
(alchoal + water) mixture.
4. On temperature
On increasing temperature surface tension
decreases. At critical
temperature & boiling
point it becomes zero.
T
|
u
139
5. On the medium
Present on the other side of liquid surface.
6. On contami nati on :
The dust particles or lubricating materials on
the liquid surface decreases its surface
tension.
7. On electri fi cati on :
The surface tension of a liquid decreases due
to electrification because a force starts acting
due to it in the outward direction normal to
free surface of liquid.
3. EXPLANATION OF SURFACE TENSION
1. Laplace explained the phenomenon of surface
tension on the basis of inter molecular forces
2. If the distance between two molecules is less
than the molecular range C(~10
9
m) then they
attract each other, but if the distance is more
than this then the attraction becomes negligible.
3. If a sphere of radius c with a molecule as
centre, is drawn, then only those molecules
which are enclosed with in this sphere can
attract or be attracted by the molecules at
the centre of the sphere This is called 'sphere
of molecular activity'
4. In order to understand the tension acting in
the free surface of a liquid, let us consider
four liquid molecules like A, B, C, D along
with their spheres of molecular activity.
A
B
C
y
x
c
D
Liquid Surface
(a) According to fig. D sphere is completely
inside liquid so molecule is attracted
equally in all direction hence resultant
force is equal to zero.
(b) According to fig: sphere of molecule C is
directly below liquid surface, so resultant
force is equal to zero
(c) The molecule B which is a little below the
liquid surface is more attracted downwards
due to excess of molecules downwards.
Hence the resultant force is acting
downwards.
(d) Molecule A is situated at surface so that
its sphere of molecular activity is half
outside the liquid and half inside. Only
down portion has liquid molecule. Hence
it experiences a maximum downward
force. Thus all the molecules situated
between the surface and a plane XY,
distant C below the surface, experience
a resultant downward cohesive force.
5. When the surface area of liquid is increased
molecules from the interior of the liquid rise
to the surface, As these molecules reach
near the surface, work is done against the
downward cohesive force. This work is stored
in the molecules in the form of potential
energy. Thus the potential energy of the
molecules lying in the surface is greater than
that of the molecules in the interior of the
liquid.
6. A system is in stable equilibrium when its
potential energy is minimum.
7. Hence in order to have minimum potential
energy the liquid surface tends to have
minimum number of molecules in it. In other
words the surface tends to contract to a
minimum possible area. This tendency is
exhibited as surface tension.
8. More cohesive force more surface tension will
be maximum.
9. For mercury cohesive force is maximum so
surface tension is also maximum.
10. When surface area of liquid is increased,
molecules from the interior of the liquid rise
to the surface. For this work is done against
the down ward cohesive force. As result, its
potential energy increases & internal energy
decrease so on increasing in surface area
cooling occurs. If liquid temperature remain
same, then extra energy may be given by
external agency. So the molecules in the
surface have some additional energy due to
their position. This additional energy per unit
area of the surface is called 'surface energy'.
4. EXAMPLE OF SURFACE TENSION
(A) Small drops of mercury are spherical while
large ones are flat.
(B) Floatation of needle on water.
(C) Sitting of mosquitoes on rainy water.
(D) Formation of bigger soap bubbles in
comparison to water.
140
(5) Dirty clothes become clear in hot detergent
solution in comparison to water.
(6) Spraying results in coldness.
(7) Formation of lead shots.
(8) Oil is used to set down the turbulent sea
waves.
(9) Inside the water the hairs of the brush remain
separated from each other, but when the
brush is taken out, the hairs stick together.
(10)Dancing of camphor on water.
(11) It is difficult of separate two glass plates
between which a water film is enclosed.
(12)Hot tomato soup is more tasteful than then
cold soup.
(13)The surface tension of wound ointment &
tooth paste is less than that of water.
(14)The ends of glass tube becomes rounded on
heating.
(15)To remove oil spot from a cloth, petrol is
applied only on the boundary of spot and not
on the whole spot.
(16)Mosquitoes are killed when kerosene is
sprayed on water surface in tanks or ponds.
(17)Filling of ink in fountain pen through nib.
(18)Ploughing of field to hold moisture.
(19)Spreading and sucking process of ink on the
newspaper.
5. Relati on between surface tension & work
done i n increasi ng the surface area
Let a liquid film be formed between a bent wire
ABC & a straight wire PQ.
Free surface of liquid have tendency to contract
due to surface tension. Thus wire PQ moves up.
To keep this in equilibrium, Force F is imposed.
By practical results. F o 2
Note: liquid film has two free surface
F =T2, T is constant which is called
surface tension.
Now if wire is displaced by Ax,
then work w =FAx =T(2) (Ax)
(2) (Ax) = Total increase in area.
W =T (increase in area) = T A A
T =
W
A A
W is work done against surface tension.
5.1 Problem based on W = T(A) :
(A) Li quid drop case : (Only one free surface)
changing radius r
1
to r
2
: (r
2
>r
1
)
initial area A
1
=4tr
1
2
Final area A
2
=4tr
2
2
AA = 4t (r
2
2
r
1
2
)
Work done against surface tension to
increase area = T AA = 4tT (r
2
2
r
1
2
)
(B) Soap bubbl e case :- (Two free surface)
changing radius r
1
to r
2
(r
2
>r
1
)
work done against surface tension to increase
area =TAA =T 2 4t (r
2
2
r
1
2
)
W = 8t T(r
2
2
r
1
2
)
Ex.3 Calculate the work done against surface
tension in blowing a soap bubble from a radius
10cm to 20cm if the surface tension of soap
solution is 25 x 10
-3
N/m. & then compare it
with liquid drop of same radius.
Sol. (i ) for soap bubbl e :
original total surface area
= 2 4tr
1
2
= 2 x 4t (0.1)
2
m
2
(as soap
bubble has two surface)
Final total surface area.
=2 x 4tr
2
2
= 2 x 4t x (0.2)
2
m
2
Therefore,
extension in area =2 x 4t [0.2
2
0.1
2
]
= 0.24tm
2
Now work done.
W
1
= surface tension x extension in area
W
1
= 25 x 10
-3
x 0.14t
W
1
= 6t x 10
-3
J
(i i) for l iqui d drop :
As there will be one free surface so in this case
extension in area will be half of soap bubble.
W
2
=
1
2
W
1
=3t x 10
-3
J
Note: It is always true that work done would be half
in case of liquid drop case in comparison to soap
bubble case.
By practical results. F o 2
141
6. SPLITTING OF BIGGER DROP INTO SMALLER
DROP
(i) If bigger drop is split into smaller drop then in
this process always volume of liquid remains
conserve.
Let bigger drop have R radius. It is splitted into
n smaller drop of radius r, by conservation of
volume;
4
3
tR
3
= n (
4
3
tr
3
) r =
R
n
13 /
n =
R
r
|
\

|
.
|
3
(ii) Initial area =4tR
2
Final area =n(4tr
2
)
Change in area AA =n4tr
2
4tR
2
=4t(nr
2
R
2
)
Work done against surface tension w =4t(nr
2
R
2
)
w =4tT (nr
2
R
2
)
=4tR
2
T(n
1/3
1)
=4tR
2
T
R
r

|
\

|
.
|
1
w =4tR
3
T
1 1
r R

|
\

|
.
|
(iii) In this process temperature of system decreases,
energy gets absorbed.
(iv) Surface area of drop increases.
(v) If work is not given by external source then
internal energy of liquid decreases, subsequently
temperature decreases. This is the reason
spraying causes cooling.
Decrease in temperature du =
3T
J sd

1 1
r R

|
\

|
.
|
d =liquids density, S = liquid's specific heat.
Ex.4 A mercury drop of radius 1.0cm is sprayed
into 10
6
droplets of equal size. Calculate the
energy expanded (T = 32 10
2
N/m)
Sol. Let R be the radius of drop and r the radius
of each droplet.
Volume of one big drop = volume of 10
6
droplets
4
3
tR
3
= 10
6

4
3
tr
3
.
R =100 r
r =
R
100
=
1
100
cm
=
10
100
2
m
= 10
4
m
increase in surface area -
AA =10
6
4tr
2
4tR
2
=4t [10
6
(10
4
)
2
(10
2
)
2
]
=4t [100 10
-4
10
4
]
=4t [99 10
4
] m
2
W =TAA
=(32 10
2
) (4 3.14 99 10
4
)
=3.98 10
2
J .
7. FORMATION OF BIGGER DROP BY A NUMBER
OF SMALLER DROPS
When n smaller drops each of radius r are
combined to form a bigger drop of radius R, then
(A) The area of bigger drop decreases.
(B) Volume of bigger drop =volume of n smaller
drops.
4
3
tR
3
= n
4
3
tr
3
n =
R
r
|
\

|
.
|
3
r =
R
n
13 /
(C) In this process, energy is released.
(D) Increase in temperature of the bigger drop
At =
3T
J sd

1 1
r R

|
\

|
.
|
d =density of liquid
s =specific heat
(E) Released energy =
4tT
J
(nr
2
R
2
) cal
This is nothing but work done in work unit
=4tT (nr
2
R
2
) J oule.
Ex.5 A big drop is formed by coalescing 1000 small
droplets of water. What will be the change in
surface energy. What will be the ratio between
the total surface energy of the droplets and
the surface energy of the big drop?
Sol. by conservation of volume.
4
3
tR
3
= n
4
3
tr
3
4
3
tR
3
= 1000
4
3
tr
3
R =10r r = R/10
Surface energy of 1000 droplets
=n [T 4tr
2
]
=1000 [T 4t
R
10
2
|
\

|
.
| ]
=10 (T 4tR
2
)
Surface energy of the big drop =T x 4tR
2
Thus surface energy will decrease in the
process of formation of bigger drop, hence
energy is released & temperature increases.
142

Total surfaceenergy of droplets
Surfaceenergy of thebigdrop
1000
=
10
4
2
2
( ) T4 R
Tx R
t
t
=
10
1
Examples
based on
Surface area and energy
Ex.6 Two parallel wires each of length 10 cm are
0.5 cm apart. A film of water is formed
between them. If surface tension of water is
72 dynes/cm the work done in increasing the
distance between the wires by 1 mm will be -
(A) 1.44 10
7
J (B) 7.2 10
5
J
(C) 1.44 10
5
J (D) 7.2 10
3
J
Sol. [C]
By increasing the distance between the wires
by 1 mm the increase in area of the film.
AA =2 0.1 10
3
=2 10
4
m
2
(Film has two surfaces)
Work done =TAA =72 10
3
2 10
4
J
= 144 10
7
J = 1.44 10
5
J
Ex.7 A ring mass of 1 gm and radius 3 cm is in
the surface of a liquid of surface tension
8 10
2
N/m. The force required to take out
the ring from the surface of liquid will be -
(A) 4 10
2
N (B) 3 10
2
N
(C) 1.5 10
2
N (D) zero
Sol. [A]
The force required to pull out the ring
=weight of ring +force due to surface tension
=mg +2 2tr T
=10
3
9.8 +4 3.14
3 10
2
8 10
2
=4 10
2
N
Ex.8 A water drop of radius 1 mm is broken into
10
6
identical drops. Surface tension of water
is 72 dynes/cm. The energy spent in this
process is -
(A) 1.24 10
6
J (B) 9.96 10
6
J
(C) 89.5 10
6
J (D) 96.4 10
6
J
Sol. [C]
As volume of water remains constant, so
3
4
tR
3
=
3
4
tr
3
n
or r =
3 / 1
n
R
Increase in surface area
AA =n(4tr
2
) 4tR
2
=4t (n
1/3
1)R
2
=4t (100 1)10
6
Energy spent =TAA
=4t 99 10
6
72 10
3
J
=89.5 10
6
J
8. EXCESS PRESSURE INSIDE A CURVED LIQUID
SURFACE
Reason to expl ai n excess pressure :
The pressure on the concave side of curved liquid
surface is greater than that on the convex side.
This is the reason why pressure difference exists
across two sides of a curved surface.
Case : A
Excess pressure inside a soap bubble
=Pressure inside the bubble - outside pressure
soap bubble has two free surface
2T2 r t
A
B
(A) one is exposed to outside air
(B) another to inside air.
Balancing atmospheric pressure = surface
tension at 2 free surface soap surface has
[2 free surfaces]
P tr
2
= 2 T 2tr P =
4T
r
Case : B
Excess pressure in air bubble inside a liquid:
Here only one free surface which is exposed to
inside air of bubble.
T 2 r t
A
B
P r t
2
143
Balancing liquid pressure =surface tension at
one free surface
P x tr
2
= T x 2tr [one free surface]
P =
2T
r
Case : C
Excess pr. in a liquid drop
r
Liquid
r + r A
here, one free surface exposed to air
Balancing atm pressure = surface tension at one
free surface
P tr
2
= T x 2tr, P =
2T
r
Case : D
If curvature are in mutually opposite direction
r
1
r
2
P =T
1 1
1 2
r r

(
Case: E
If curvature are in same direction
r
1
r
2
P =T (

+
2 1
r
1
r
1
Form above.
For cylindrical surface P =
T
r
r
1
= r, r
2
=
For spherical surface P =
2T
r
r
1
= r
2
=r
Note: 1
(A) Always for liquid surface one free surface
is taken
(B) Always for liquid fil m two tree surface is
taken.
Note: 2
For liquid surface, pressure on concave side
is always hight than convex side.
Convex surface concave surface
Low Pressure
High
Pressure
Low Pressure
High
Pressure
Tabl e :
Case Liquid drop in air Air bubbl e in l iqui d Soap bubble
Figure
Free surface 1 1 2
Pressure excess
2T
r

2T
r

4T
r
P
ex
Total pressure P P
0
+
2T
r
P
0
+
2T
r
P
0
+
4T
r
film
144
8.1 General note :
(A) When two soap bubble coalesce, Then the radius
of curvature of common surface
r =
r r
r r
1 2
2 1

, where r
1
< r
2
(B) When two soap bubble of radii r
1
& r
2
, combine
to form a new bubble in vaccum under isothermal
condition, its radius is given by r = r r
1
2
2
2
+
Expl anation of general note (A) :
Excess pressure in first bubble P
1
=
4
1
T
r
Excess pressure in second bubble P
2
=
4
2
T
r
Excess pressure on common surface P =P
1
P
2
if radius of curvature of common surface is r,
P =
4T
r
P = P
1
P
2
4T
r
=
4
1
T
r

4
2
T
r
1
r
=
1
1
r

1
2
r
r =
r r
r r
1 2
2 1

Expl anation of general note (B) :

At isothermal condition : EPV =0
P
1
V
1
+ P
2
V
2
= PV
4
1
T
r
.
4
3
tr
1
3
+
4
2
T
r
4
3
tr
2
3
=
4T
r
.
4
3
tr
3
r = r r
1
2
2
2
+
Ex.9 What would be the pr. inside a small air
bubble of 1.0mm radius situated just below
the surface of water. T =72 x 10
-3
N/m
Atm.pr.=1.013 10
5
N/m
2
Sol. Excess pr. P
ex
=
2T
r
P
ex
=
2 72 10
1 10
3
3
x x
x

= 1440 N/m
2
For air bubble in water As on free surface
Since the bubble is just below the water
surface, the external pressure on it is equal
to the atm pressure P Hence the pressure
inside the bubble.
P +P
ex
= 1.013 x 10
5
+ 1440
= 1.0274 x 10
5
N/m
2
Ex.10 Two separate air bubbles (r
1
= .002cm,
r
2
=.004cm) formed of same liquid T=0.07N/m
come together to form a double bubble. Find
the radius and sense of curvature of the
internal film surface common to both the
bubbles.
Sol. r =
r r
r r
1 2
2 1

r =
0002 004
004 002
. .
. .
x

= .004m
As the excess pr. is always towards concave
surface & pressure in smaller bubble is
greater than larger bubble, the comman
surface is concave towards the centre of the
smaller bubble.
9. NATURE OF LIQUID SURFACE
When a liquid is brought in contact with a solid
surface, the surface of the liquid becomes curved
near the place of contact. The nature of the
curvature (concave or convex) depends upon the
relative magnitudes of the cohesive force between
the liquid molecules & the adhesive force between
the molecules of the liquid and those of the solid.
Note: The cohesive force acts at an angle of 45
from liquid surface where as the adhesive force
acts at right angles to the solid surface
When F
A
>
F
C
2
, then liquid surface will be
concave
When F
A
=
F
C
2
, then liquid surface will be plane
When F
A
<
F
C
2
, then liquid surface will be
convex.
Glass
F
C
F
R
F
A
Mercury
145
10. ANGLE OF CONTACT
(A) The angle inside the liquid between the tangent
to the solid surface and the tangent to the liquid
surface at the point of contact is called the angle
of contact for that pair of solid & liquid.
(B) For a particular liquid - solid pair, angle of contact
remain constant.
(C) Dependence of angle of contact :
(a) The nature of solid & liquid in contact
(b) The given pair of liquid & the solid.
(c) The impurities
(D) Angle of contact does not depend upon the
inclination of the solid in the liquid.
(E) Its value lies between 0 and 180.
(F) For all those liquids which wet the solid surface
and which rise up in a capillary tube, the angle
of contact is an acute angle (u <90) & F
A
>
F
C
2
e.g. water & glass
(G) For all those liquids which do not wet a solid
surface and which depress in a capillary tube,
the angle of contact is an obtuse angle (90 s u
<180) & F
A
s
F
C
2
e.g. glass & mercury.
(H) For all those liquid which neither rise nor get
depressed in a capillary tube, the angle of
contact is right angle (u = 90)
F
A
=
F
C
2
e.g. silver & water
Tabl e for angl e of contact of various soli d - li quid pai r.
Solid - liquid pair Angle of contact
Pure water & clean glass 0
Ordinary water & glass 8
Water & silver 90
Mercury & glass 135
Alcohal & glass 0
Fig
F
A
v/s F
C
F
A
> F
C
/
2
F
A
<
F
C
2
F
A
=
F
C
2
Solid liquid pair Glass water Glass mercury Silver water
Angle of contact u < 90 u > 90 u =90
9.1 Shape of l iqui d surface in capi ll ary tube for various sol id l iqui d pair :
Q
F
A
R
S
F
c
45
Water
Q
F
A
R
F
c
45
Q F
A
P
S
F
c
45
R
146
Angl e of cont act : Dependence's factor
discussion
cosu
1
T
(A) Effect of temperature : On increasing temperature
surface tension decreases, thus cosu increases,
plans u decrease.
So on increasing temperature, u decreases.
(B) Effect of impurities :
(1) Solute impurities increases surface tension, so
cosu decreases & angle of contact increases.
(2) partially solute impurities decreases surface
tension, so angle of contact u decreases.
Examples
based on
Excess pressure & angl e of contact
Ex.11 The ratio of excess pressure inside drops of
water of diameters 2.0 mm and 20 m is -
(A)
10
1
(B)
100
1
(C)
1000
1
(D)
10000
1
Sol. [B]
Excess pressure inside a drop p
ex
=
r
T 2

2
1
p
p
=
1
2
r 2
r 2
=
3
6
10 2
10 20

= 10
2
=
100
1
11. CAPILLARY TUBE & CAPILLARITY
(A) A glass tube with fine bore and open at both
ends is known as capillary tube.
(B) The property by virtue of which a liquid rises or
depresses in a capillary tube is known as
capillarity.
(C) (i) For those liquid & solid u < 90, Rises in
capillary tube.
(ii) These wets capillary tube.
(iii) F
a
>
F
C
2
(iv) Shape of meniscus : Concave.
(D) (i) For those liquid & solid u = 90, neither rise
nor fall in capillary tube
(ii) These doesn't wet capillary tube only touches.
(iii) F
a
=
F
C
2
(iv) Shape of meniscus : Plane
(E) (i) For those liquid & solid u > 90, liquid falls
in capillary tabe.
(ii) These doesn't wet capillary tube .
(iii) F
a
<
F
C
2
(iv) Shape of meniscus convex.
11.1 Capi ll ary Acti on :
P P
P
h
P P
P
B
A A
P
Water
M
|
.
|

\
|

R
T 2
P
A'
|
.
|

\
|

R
T 2
P
10.1 Capil lary tube in a vessel for various sol id and l iqui d pair :
Fig
Menisces concave plane convex
Angle of contact u<90 u =90 u > 90
Level Rises No rise No fall Fall
147
P
A P P
P
h
B'
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
R
T 2
P
(a) (b)
B
|
|
.
|

\
|
+
R
T 2
P
Capi ll arity hi ght Determi nati on :
(A) By pressure balance :
hg =
2T
R
h =
2T
gR
R =curvature radius of free surface :
R =r/cosuh =
2T
rg
cosu

(B) By balancing force :

Liquid will continue to rise in capillary tube until
liquid column's weight does not equal to force
(vertical) due to surface tension.
(T cosu)2tr =(tr
2
)hg
h =
2T
rg
cosu

11.2 Measurement of true h by force bal ance :

Real volume of liquid column.
=(volume of cylinder of height h)+(volume of
cylinder of height r)-
(volume of half sphere of radius r)

=tr
2
h + tr
2
r
2
3
tr
3
V
real
= tr
2
(h + r/3) (h +r/3) =
2T
r g
cost

h
real
= h
normal
r/3

r
3
<<h we neglect it
h ~
2T
rdg
cosu
or h =
2T
rdg
11.3 Zurin's Law :
The height of liquid risen in a capillary tube is
inversely proportional to the radius of capillary
tube, if T, u, d, g are constant
h
1
r
r h = constant
it means liquid will rise more in capillary tube of
less radius.
12. JAGER'S METHOD
(P +gH) (P+gh) =2T/r
(A) In this method the variation of surface tension
with temperature can be studied.
(B) If manometer & vessel contains same liquid then
H >h.
(C) In this method there is no need to determine
angle of contact.
(D) The effect of impurities on surface tension can
be studied.
13. VARIOUS CASES RELATED TO SURFACE
TENSION
(A) If a capillary tube is dipped into a liquid and tilted
at an o from vertical, then the vertical height of
liquid column remains same where as the length
of liquid column in the capillary tube increases.
h
R
Water
o
h
cos o
=
h
h = l coso
l = h/coso
(B) In side a satellite, water will rise up to top level but
do not come outside. Radius of curvature increases
(r') in such away that final height h' is reduced &
given by h' =
hr
r
1
. It is according to zurin law. .
148
POINTS TO REMEMBER
(1) Angle of contact increases on increasing
temperature.
(2) Angle of contact decreases on adding soluble
impurity to a liquid.
(3) Angle of contact does not depend upon the
inclination of the tube.
(4) When a large number of drops combine to
from a big drop then energy will be liberated
because the surface area decreases.
(5) When a big drop is broken into large number
of small drops then energy is absorbed
because the surface area increases.
(6) A water proofing agent increases the angle of
contact as well as the surface tension.
(7) A molecule in the surface of liquid possess
more potential energy than a molecule in the
interior of a liquid.
(8) The inter molecular force of attraction is
inversely proportional to the eighth power of
the intermolecular distance.
(9) Addition of detergent to a liquid decreases
the angle of contact and hence the surface
tension also decreases.
(10) Rise of liquid in a capillary tube does not
violate law of conservation of energy.
(11) Radius of a soap bubble increases whether a
positive or a negative charge is given to the
bubble.
(12) It a bubble is formed inside a liquid, the
pressure inside the bubble is more than the
pressure outside the bubble.
(13) Surface tension of a liquid is independent of
area of the surface.
(14) Surface tension is a molecular phenomenon
and its root cause are the electromagnetic
forces.
(15) The explanation of surface tension was first
given by laplace.
(16) If the amount of heat present in the liquid
surface per unit area is H, then the total
surface energy is S = T + H
Where T is surface energy.
(17) As the size of bubble on the mouth of
capillary increases, the difference of liquid
levels in manometer tubes increases and
consequently excess pressure increases.
(18) For a given length of perimeter, the area
enclosed by a circle is maximum.
(19) For a given volume the surface area of sphere
is minimum.
(20) Root cause of capillarity is the difference of
pr. on two sides of curved surface of liquid.
(21) A liquid vaporises rapidly in vaccum. Hence
use of capillary tube is not possible in
vaccurn.
(22) When excess pr. is same then,
T
r
1
2
=
T
r
2
2
(23) Relation between excess pressure radius
volume
PV
r
2
= constant
(24) The difference of levels of liquid columns in
two limbs of a U tube of unequal radii r
1
& r
2
is
h
1
h
2
=
2T
dg
cosu
1 1
1 2
r r

(
(C) If a hollow sphere of radius r which has a fine
hole, drowned in a vessel upto h depth, then
liquid will not enter upto height h, is given by.
hdg =
2T
r
cosu
(D) Parallel plates of Area A, needs force F to
separate t distance
R O
B A
D C
t
F =
2AT
t
(E) When a water film is enclosed between two glass
plates, then hugh adhesive force acts between
them & it becomes difficult to separate them.
(F) Air will flow from bubble 1 to 2 if T
2
& T
3
are
opened, because pressure in 1 is greater then 2.

T
1
T
2
T
3
A
B
149
(25) Curve between h & r

(26) The surface tension of alcohol is less than of
water. Hence when a drop of alcohol is
dropped on one side of a floating match stick,
then it starts moving towards another side.
(27) It is difficult to fill mercury in the thermometer
because mercury depresses in it.
(28) Small drops of fog act as a rigid body
because the excess pressure inside it is
large
P
r
o
1

(
(29) Charging of a bubble :
Outward electro magnetic forces act on the
bubble due to which surface area of bubble
increases. Change may be both negatives
positive.
(30) A soap film is formed in a circular frame. A
loop of thread is lying on the film if the film
inside the loop is broken then the tension in
the thread will be 2trT. (Only one is free
surface)

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
(31) The tendency of surface tension is to
maximize the ratio of volume to surface area.
(32) Height of liquid risen in the capillary tube
does not depend on the thickness of the tube.
(33) Cohesive force is responsible for surface
tension.
(34) Direction of force due to surface tension is
along the free surface.
(35) in fig (a) height is h, if it is bent then height
will remain same but length of liquid changes.
It always increases depending upon the
direction of bent & its magnitude w.r.t. vertical
axis. If capillary tube in fig (a) is inserted
more inside or pulled outside height remains
unchanged because height depends on
balancing of two forces
(a) Surface tension &
(b) Weight of liquid column.
Fig (a)
h
Fig (b)
(36) Cause of rise of oil in a lamp wick is capillary
action, not surface tension because in the
wick infinite number of small capillaries are
formed to suck oil, due to pressure difference.
150
Ex.1 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. Explain
both the phenomena.
Sol. The cohesive force between oil molecules is
less than the adhesive force between water
molecules & oil molecules so the oil placed
on the surface of water spreads out. On the
other hand the cohesive force between water
molecules is greater than adhesive force
between water molecules & oil molecules.
Ex.2 Why are the droplets of mercury when
brought in contact pulled together to form a
bigger drop? Also state with reasons whether
the temperatures of this bigger drop will be
the same or more or less than the
temperature of the smaller drop.
Sol. The two droplets pulled together to form a
bigger drop due to cohesive force. The
temperature of bigger drop increases as the
surface area decreases.
Ex.3 A wire of mass 0.3 gm lying horizontal on
the surface of water. The maximum length of
wire so that it may not sink, will be :
(T = 70 x 10
-3
N/m)
(A) 0.01cm (B) 0.021m
(C) 0.21cm (D) 0.0021cm.
Sol. [B]
Balancing Surface tension force =
Gravitational force
2TL =mg
L =
. . 3 10 98
2 70 10
3
3
x x
x x

L =0.021m.
Ex.4 One cubic plate, having 15 cm side, floats
on water surface. If surface tension of water
is 60 dyne/cm. To lift this plate from water,
extra force required against weight.
(A) 900 (B) 3600
(C) 1800 (D) 0
Sol. [B]
Force required will be surface tension force.
F =4 TL ( Four free surface)
SOLVED EXAMPLES
F =4 60 15 =3600 Dyne.
Ex.5 A liquid film is formed over a frame ABCD as
shown in figure wire CD can slide without
friction. The mass to be hung from CD to
keep it in equilibrium is
(A) Tl/g
(B) 2Tl/g
(C) g/2T
(D) T x
Sol. [B]
Let mass be m to keep in equilibrium, then
condition of equilibrium to be satisfied.
Weight = surface tension force.
mg = 2 TL
m =
2TL
g
Ex.6 The work done in blowing a soap bubble of
radius a under isothermal conditions is (the
surface tension of soap film is)
(A) 4 t a
2
T (B) 8 t a
2
T
(C) 16 t a
2
T (D) 2 t a
2
T
Sol. [B]
W =2TAA
=2T(4ta
2
)
=8ta
2
T
Ex.7 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.
(A) tRT (B) t(R + r)T
(C) 2t T (R +r) (D) 4tT (R + r)
Sol. [C] T =
F
L
. ...(1)
L = 2tR +2tr, L =2t (R +r) ....(2)
From equation (A) and (B), T =
F
R r 2t( ) +
F =2t (R +r) T
A B
D C
x
y
l
151
Ex.8 An air bubble of radius r is formed inside a
tank of water at depth h, the atmospheric
pressure is equal to a water column of height
H. The pressure inside the bubble is .
(A) H +h (B) H + h +
2T
r
(C) H +h +
4T
r
(D) H +h +
4T
r
Sol. [B]
Excess pressure for air bubble in liquid P
ex
=
2T
r
Liquid pressure on air bubble = h
Atm. pressure on air bubble = H
Pressure inside the bubble =H +h +P
ex
=H +h +
2T
r
.
Ex.9 A 15cm x 6cm x 0.1 cm slide is suspended
with its longest side vertical. 10% part of this
slide is dipped into the water. In this state its
apparent weight is equal to its real weight.
The surface tension of water in Newton/meter
will be -
(A) 72.3 (B) 72.3 10
3
(C) 0.0723 10
3
(D) 273
Sol. [B]
Force due to surface tension =Loss in weight
of the slide in water.
Force mg = TL
or Vdg = TL
1.5 6 0.1 1 980
= T (6 +6 +0.1 +0.1)
T =
15 6 01 980
122
. .
.
x x x
=72.3 dyne/cm
=0.0723 N/m
Ex.10 n small drops of radius r, combine to form a
bigger drop of radius R, If the energy evolved
provides kinetic energy to the drop then the
speed of the drop will be - (density of drop
=d and surface tension of liquid =T)
(A)
T
d r R 6
1 1

|
\

|
.
| (B)
6 1 1 T
d r R

|
\

|
.
|
(C)
6 1 1 T
d r R
+
|
\

|
.
| (D)
6T
d
Rr
R r
|
\

|
.
|
Sol. [B]
Change in area
dA =4t (nr
2
R
2
)
energy evolved AE
TdA =4tT (nr
2
R
2
)
But nr
3
= R
3
AE =4tT
R
r
r R
3
3
2 2

|
\

|
.
|
=4tTR
3

1 1
r R

(
According to question AE =
1
2
Mv
2
4tTR
3

1 1
r R

|
\

|
.
|
=
1
2
x
4
3
tR
3
dv
2
.
v =
6 1 1 T
d r R

|
\

|
.
|
Ex.11 Drops of liquid of density d are floating half
immersed in a liquid of density . If the surface
tension of liquid is T. then the radius of the
drop will be -
(A)
3
3
T
g d ( )
(B)
6
2
T
g d ( )
(C)
3
2
T
g d ( )
(D)
3
4 3
T
g d ( )
Sol. [C]
Force due to surface tension on drop +force
of buoyancy =Weight of drop.
2trT +
1
2

4
3
tr
3
g =
4
3
tr
3
dg
r =
3
2
T
g d ( )
h
152
Ex.12 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 x 10
3
kg/m
3
)
(A) 0.12 m (B) 1.2 cm
(C) 1.2mm (D) 2.4 mm
Sol. [C]
Force due to surface tension =weight of wire
2Tl =mg
2Tl =volume x density x g
2Tl = tr
2
ldg
r
2
=
2T
dg t
r =
2T
dg t
...... (1)
According to question T = 0.045 N/m
d =8.96 x 10
3
kg/m
3
.
g =98 m/s
2
.
From eqs. (A) and (B)
r =
2 0045
314 896 10 98
3
x
x x x
.
. . .
r =0.6 x 10
-3
m
r =0.6mm
diameter = 2r =1.2 mm
Ex.13 A vertical capillary is brought in contact with
the water surface. What amount of heat is
liberated while the water rises along the
capillary? The wetting is assumed to be
complete?
(A) 0 (B) Q =
tr h gd
J
2 2
2
(C) (D) None of these
Sol. [B]
Amount of heat liberated =
Rise of potential energy of water in the
capillary of height h
=mass of the liquid risen x h/2
Q =
2
h
.
J
d . g . h r
2
t
Q =
tr h gd
J
2 2
2
Ex.14 The ratio of radii of two soap bubbles is 1 :4
the ratio of excess pressures in them will be -
(A) 4 : 1 (B) 1 : 4
(C) 1 : 16 (D) 16 : 1
Sol. [A]
P
P
1
2
=
r
r
2
1
......(1)
According to question
r
r
1
2
=
1
4
......(2)
From equation (1) and (2)
P
P
1
2
=
4
1
Ex.15 A metallic wire of density d floats horizontal
in water. The maximum radius of the wire so
that the wire may not sink, will be - (surface
tension of water = T)
(A)
2T
dg t
(B)
2tT
dg
(C)
2tTg
d
(D) 2tTgd
Sol. [A]
The upward force due to surface tension must
be equal to the weight of wire.
2Tcosu = mg = tr
2
ldg.
r =
2T
dg t
( u = 0, cosu = 1)
Ex.16 The ratio of excess pressures in two soap
bubble is 3 : 1. The ratio of their volume will
be -
(A) 1 : 3 (B) 3 : 1
(C) 1 : 27 (D) 27 : 1
Sol. [C] P
1
r

P
P
1
2
=
r
r
2
1
V r
3
V
V
1
2
=
r
r
1
2
3
|
\

|
.
|
=
P
P
2
1
3
|
\

|
.
|
=
1
3
3
|
\

|
.
| =
1
27
153
Ex.17 A glass rod of diameter d
1
= 1.5 mm is
inserted symmetrically into a glass capillary
tube with inside diameter d
2
= 2.0mm. Then
the whole arrangement is vertically oriented
& brought in contact with the surface of water.
To what height will the
water rise in the capillary.
(A) 1 cm
(B) 2cm
(C) 6cm
(D) 4cm
Sol. [C]
Let h be the height of
water inside the capillary.
Total upward force tending
to pull water supports the
weight of the water.
T (2tr
1
+2tr
2
) =h(tr
2
2
tr
1
2
)g
h =
2
1 2
2
2
1
2
T(r r
r r g
+

)
( )
=
2
2 1
T
r r g ( )
=
4
2
T
d d g ( )
h =
4 73 10
10 98 2 15 10
3
3 3
x x
x x x

. ( . )
= 6 cm.
Ex.18 There is an air bubble of radius 1.0mm in a
liquid of surface tension 0.075N/m & density
1000kg/m
3
. The bubble is at a depth of 10cm
below the free surface. By what amount is
the pressure inside the bubble greater than
the atmospheric pressure?
Take g =9.8m/s
2
.
(A) 1000Pa (B) 1130 Pa
(C) 1120Pa (D) 1100Pa
Sol. [B]
Let P be the atmospheric pressure. The
pressure P
1
of the liquid just outside the
bubble is given by P
1
= P + gh.
The pressure P
2
inside the bubble is given
by
P
2
=P
1
+
2T
r
= P + gh +
2T
r
P
2
P =hg +
2T
r
=10 1000 9.8 +
2 075
1 10
3
x
x
.

=1130 N/m
2
= 1130 Pa.
Ex.19 In the bottom of a vessel with mercury there
is a round hole of diameter d = 70m. At
what minimum thickness of the mercury layer
will the liquid still not flow out through this
hole?
(A) 11cm (B) 22cm
(C) 21 cm (D) 23 cm.
Sol. [C]
hg =
4T
d
h =
4T
dg
[ At equilibrium]
Expl anation :The pressure just inside the
hole will be less than the outside pressure
by
4T
d
, because mercury meniscus is
convex.
h =
4 490 10
136 10 70 10 98
3
3 6
x x
x x x
( )
( . )( ) .

= 21cm.
Ex.20 If the excess pressure inside a soap bubble
is balanced by oil column of height 2mm,
then the surface tension of soap solution will
be - (r =1cm and d =0.8 gm/cc)
(A) 3.9 x 10
2
N/m (B) 3.9 N/m
(C) 3.9 x 10
3
dyne/cm (D) 3.9dyne/m
Sol. [A]
4T
r
= hdg
According to question r =10
2
m
d =0.8 x 10
3
Kg/m
3
g =9.8 ms
2
h =2 x 10
-3
m
T =?
From. equation
T =
10 2 10 8 98 10
4
2 3 3
x x x x x

. .
T =0.0392
Ex.21 If a capillary tube is dipped in water in a
state of weightlessness, how will the rise of
water in it be different to that observed in
normal conditions.?
Sol. In the state of weightlessness, The effective
weight of the water column raised in the tube
will be zero. Hence water will rise upto the
other end of the capillary, however long the
capillary may be.
2.0
(tube)
1.5 (rod)
P
2
P
1
P
-
-
154
Ex.22 If the capillary tube of insufficient length, will
the water come out of the tube ?
(A) yes (B) No
(C) Possible (D) None
Sol. [B]
In a capillary tube, the height of the liquid
column h balance the excess of
pressure
2T
R
,
R =radius of meniscus.
hg =
2T
R
hR =
2T
g
= constant
for a liquid
2T
g
is constant. So hR is also
constant. When h is small, R becomes larger
to adjust the value of hR Constant.
Ex.23 A capillary tube is of length 10cm. It is held
vertically with 1cm length inside water and
rest outside. The water level in the capillary
stands at a height of 8cm, if the capillary is
broken at the middle, what would be the
position of
water level
in it ?
(A) 4cm
(B) 5cm
(C) 3cm
(D) 2cm.
Sol. [A]
As it is broken from middle water rises upto
maximum level which is possible 5cm in this
case. so above water surface height is
5cm 1cm =4cm.
(concept : hR Remains constant)
Ex.24 Liquid reaches an equilibrium as shown in
figure in a capillary tube of internal radius r.
if the surface tension of the liquid is T. The
angle of contact u & the density of liquid
then the pressure difference between P & Q is
(A) zero
(B) 2T/R
(C) 4T/R
(D)
2T
r
cosu
Sol. [D] Radius of curvature at meniscus.
r = R cos u
R =
r
cosu
Pressure difference across
meniscus =
2T
R
Pressure difference
=
2T
r
cosu
Ex.25 0.4mm & 0.6mm Diameter tubes form a U
tube. What will be the difference between
water level? Surface tension T =60 Dyne/cm
(A) 2 cm (B) 2.3 cm
(C) 3 cm (D) 2.04 cm
Sol. [D] Let Angle of contact is zero for glass &
water.
for first tube, h
1
g =
4
1
T
d
cos 0 =
4
1
T
d
for second tube, h
2
g =
4
2
T
d
cos 0 =
4
2
T
d
g (h
1
h
2
) =4T
1 1
1 2
d d

(
h
1
h
2
=
4 60
1 981
x
x
1
04
1
06 . .

(
=2.038 =2.04 cm.
Ex.26 Water rises in a capillary tube upto a height
of 10cm where as mercury depresses in it
by 3.42cm. If the angle of contact and density
of mercury are 135 and 13.6 gm/cc
respectively then the ratio of the surface
tensions of water and mercury will be -
(A) 6.5 :1 (B) 1: 6.5
(C) 1:5.6 (D) 5.6 : 1
Sol. [B] T
water
=
rgh d
1 1
1
2cosu
.... (1)
T
mercury
=
rgh d
2 2
2
2cosu
.... (2)
dividing eq. (1) by eq. (2)
T
T
water
mercury
=
h d
h d
1 1 2
2 2 1
cos
cos
u
u
According to question
h
1
= 10cm, h
2
= 3.42 cm.
d
1
= 1 gm/cc ;d
2
= 13.6 gm/cc
u
1
= 0 and u
2
= 135.
From equation
T
T
water
mercury
=
10 1 135
342 136 0
x x
x
o
o
cos
. . cos
cos 135 = 0.71
T
T
water
mercury
=
1
65 .
10cm
1cm
8
P
Q
u
-
-
R
R
r u