surface tension

American  

[sur-fis ten-shuhn] / ˈsɜr fɪs ˌtɛn ʃən /

noun

Physics.

1. the elasticlike force existing in the surface of a body, especially a liquid, tending to minimize the area of the surface, caused by asymmetries in the intermolecular forces between surface molecules.

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surface tension British  

noun

1. a property of liquids caused by intermolecular forces near the surface leading to the apparent presence of a surface film and to capillarity, etc

2.  T.   γ.   σ.  a measure of this property expressed as the force acting normal to one side of a line of unit length on the surface: measured in newtons per metre

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surface tension Scientific  

/ sûr′fəs /

1. A property of liquids such that their surfaces behave like a thin, elastic film. Surface tension is an effect of intermolecular attraction, in which molecules at or near the surface undergo a net attraction to the rest of the fluid, while molecules not near the surface are attracted to other molecules equally in all directions and undergo no net attraction. Because of surface tension, the surface of a liquid can support light objects (such as water beetles on the surface of a pond). Surface tension is responsible for the spherical shape of drops of liquid; spheres minimize the surface area of the drop and thus minimize surface tension.

2. See also capillary action meniscus

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surface tension Cultural  

1. The force exerted along the surface of a fluid that causes it to “bead up” and form into drops. Water has high surface tension and beads up easily; alcohol has low surface tension and does not often show droplets.

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Etymology

Origin of surface tension

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Surface tension is the measure of energy required to keep molecules at the surface together, like glue.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

Surface tension takes over, which makes jet urination a more expensive process in terms of energy, though cicadas are large enough for inertia to lend a helping hand.

From New York Times • Mar. 11, 2024

Surface tension is also why Diet Coke works so well in the famous Mentos experiment, during which you drop Mentos candies into 2-liter Diet Coke bottles.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2023

Surface tension pulls the water together like the taut skin of a balloon.

From Scientific American • Aug. 23, 2022

Surface tension within the pleural cavity pulls the lungs outward.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013