What tendency do molecules on the surface of a liquid possess?

  • A
    To minimize their surface area
  • B
    To maximize their surface area
  • C
    To remain in equilibrium
  • D
    To move randomly

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Define surface tension with its formula in the context of intermolecular forces.

If a drop of liquid breaks into smaller droplets,it results in the lowering of the temperature of the droplets. Let a drop of radius $R$ break into $N$ small droplets,each of radius $r$. Estimate the drop in temperature.

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The work done in increasing the size of a soap film from $10 \, cm \times 6 \, cm$ to $10 \, cm \times 11 \, cm$ is $3 \times 10^{-4} \, J$. The surface tension of the film is:

Surface tension is exhibited by liquids due to the force of attraction between the molecules of the liquid. The surface tension decreases with an increase in temperature and vanishes at the boiling point. Given that the latent heat of vaporization for water $L_v = 540 \text{ kcal/kg}$,the mechanical equivalent of heat $J = 4.2 \text{ J/cal}$,density of water $\rho_w = 10^3 \text{ kg/m}^3$,Avogadro's number $N_A = 6.0 \times 10^{26} \text{ molecules/kmol}$,and the molecular weight of water $M_A = 18 \text{ kg/kmol}$.
$(a)$ Estimate the energy required for one molecule of water to evaporate.
$(b)$ Show that the intermolecular distance for water is $d = \left( \frac{M_A}{N_A \rho_w} \right)^{1/3}$ and find its value.
$(c)$ $1 \text{ g}$ of water in the vapour state at $1 \text{ atm}$ occupies $1601 \text{ cm}^3$. Estimate the intermolecular distance at the boiling point in the vapour state.
$(d)$ During vaporisation,a molecule overcomes a force $F$,assumed constant,to go from an intermolecular distance $d$ to $d'$. Estimate the value of $F$.
$(e)$ Calculate $\frac{F}{d}$,which is a measure of the surface tension.

$A$ small spherical droplet of density $d$ is floating exactly half immersed in a liquid of density $\rho$ and surface tension $T$. The radius of the droplet is (take note that the surface tension applies an upward force on the droplet).

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