Observing Change in Surface Tension with Wire Immersion

In summary, During an experiment, the speaker observed that immersing a normal temperature wire in a chalet filled with water and particles (lycopodium, glitter) caused the particles to disperse radially, which was an unexpected result. They wondered if the immersion of the wire caused a change in surface tension or any attraction force between particles and water molecules, and if there was a physical change related to this. Another person suggested that the contamination on the wire could explain the observations, as water's interfacial energy is highly sensitive to contamination.
  • #1
jangheej
19
0
hi =D
i observed something interesting during the experiment.
i immersed a normal temperature wire in a chalet filled with water and particles (lycopodium, glitter) floating on the surface.
the original problem is to immerse a "hot" wire (2011 IYPT problem) but i was curious
what would happen if a normal wire was plunged.

Interestingly, the particles dispersed radially to an extent that doesn't seem to occur
simply due to the plunging motion.
So I am wondering if surface tension or any attraction force between particles and water molecules would change due to the immersion of wire.
What physical change is related to this? Any idea? =)
 
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  • #2
The interfacial energy of water is incredibly sensitive to contamination. Crud on the wire could be sufficient to account for your observations.
 

Related to Observing Change in Surface Tension with Wire Immersion

1. How do you measure surface tension using wire immersion?

To measure surface tension using wire immersion, a thin wire or loop is carefully placed on the surface of the liquid. The weight of the wire causes the surface to deform, creating a depression. The surface tension can then be calculated by measuring the depression and the weight of the wire.

2. What factors can affect the surface tension of a liquid?

Surface tension can be affected by various factors such as temperature, the presence of impurities, and the type of liquid. Higher temperatures generally decrease surface tension, while impurities can disrupt the cohesive forces between molecules and decrease surface tension. Different liquids also have different surface tensions due to variations in intermolecular forces.

3. How does the surface tension of a liquid change with wire immersion?

When a wire is immersed in a liquid, the surface tension will decrease due to the weight of the wire pulling on the surface. This creates a larger depression in the surface, indicating a decrease in surface tension. The amount of change depends on the weight and thickness of the wire, as well as the properties of the liquid.

4. Why is it important to study surface tension?

Surface tension is an important property of liquids that affects many natural and industrial processes. It plays a role in the formation of bubbles, droplets, and capillary action. Understanding surface tension can also help in the development of new products and technologies, such as detergents and coatings.

5. Can surface tension be modified or controlled?

Yes, surface tension can be modified or controlled through various methods. For example, adding surfactants can decrease surface tension, while increasing temperature can decrease it. Different techniques, such as vibration or electric fields, can also be used to manipulate surface tension for specific applications.

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