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calculus_guy4
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On my test it asked what causes surface tension. The teacher says the correct answer is that "the intermolecular forces are stronger at the surface of a liquid than in the bulk of the liquid." Is that correct?
Surface tension is the force that causes the surface of a liquid to behave as if it were a thin, elastic film. It is created by the attraction between the molecules of the liquid at the surface.
Surface tension is directly related to the strength of intermolecular forces between molecules. The stronger the intermolecular forces, the greater the surface tension.
Intermolecular force is the attractive force between molecules. It is responsible for holding molecules together in a liquid or solid state.
Intermolecular force can affect the boiling point, melting point, viscosity, and surface tension of a liquid. The strength of the intermolecular force determines these properties.
Yes, surface tension can be changed by altering the strength of the intermolecular forces. This can be done by changing the temperature, adding substances that disrupt intermolecular forces, or applying external forces to the surface of the liquid.