Learn more physics!
Q:
Why does the surface tension of water decrease as temperature is increased
Where in life is there a for the effect of temperature on surface tension
- Michelle (age 17)
England
A:
The molecules in water and other fluids stick to each other, giving
rise to surface tension. When the temperature is higher, the molecules
rattle around more, so they generally stick less well to each other.
Thus the surface tension typically gets smaller. When a fluid is very
hot, the molecules don't stick together well enough even to make
separate liquid drops. The liquid and the vapor become
indistinguishable, meaning that there is no surface and no surface
tension. For water, that happens when it's hotter than about 374
degrees celsius.
Mike W
(published on 10/22/2007)
Follow-up on this answer.
