ELI5- What’s Surface Tension?
In: Chemistry
Each water molecule has a slightly negatively charged part (oxygen end) and a slightly positive part (hydrogen) because of its shape. So the delta positive hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the delta negative oxygen of another water molecule, called hydrogen bond. As there are so many molecules of h20 in water there are lots of hydrogen bonds, meaning a higher force is needed to break these bonds which is surface tension.
The more water you try and displace the higher this surface tension, for example you could run your hand slowly through water with little resistance, but if you try and slap the water you will be met with more resistance as you will break more hydrogen bonds with a quicker hand movement.
Latest Answers