Why are small drops of liquid spherical in shape?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) liquid-air interface possesses surface energy. For a given volume,the surface with the minimum energy is the one with the least surface area.
$A$ sphere possesses this property,as the surface area of a sphere is the minimum for a given volume.
Hence,if gravity and other external forces (such as air resistance) are negligible,liquid drops tend to be spherical to minimize their surface energy.
Furthermore,the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules are stronger than the adhesive forces between the liquid and air molecules,which helps the drop maintain its spherical shape.

Explore More

Similar Questions

What causes the free surface of a liquid to have minimum area?

With an increase in temperature,surface tension of liquid (except molten copper and cadmium)

Arrange the following liquids in increasing order of surface tension: Water,Mercury,Soap solution.

$A$ ring is cut from a platinum tube with an internal diameter of $8.5\, cm$ and an external diameter of $8.7\, cm$. It is supported horizontally from the pan of a balance so that it comes in contact with the water in a glass vessel. If an extra $3.97\, g$ weight is required to pull it away from the water,the surface tension of water is ......... $dyne\, cm^{-1}$.

How does the surface tension of a liquid change with temperature?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo