Question

Can someone help answer this? thanks!

if surface tension relies on intermolecular forces, how could you make surface tension decrease?
(think about how and where molecules bind to each other)

Answer 1

We could make the surface tension to decrease by removing and causing a disruption to the intermolecular forces(hydrogen bonds).

Step-by-step explanation:

To explain this answer, we will consider an experiment whereby a paper clip is made to rest at the top surface of water inside a container/beaker.

First of all, the intermolecular forces present in water are also known as hydrogen bonds.

It's relationship with surface tension is that when there is high surface tension in the water, this high tension will allow the paper clip to rest on top of the hydrogen bonds present at the top surface in between the water molecules.

However, the surface tension will decrease when we remove or cause a disruption to the intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonds).