Question

Which best explains the surface tension of water?

-capillary action
-cohesion
-adhesion
-sublimation

Answer 1

Option B, Cohesion

Step-by-step explanation:

The polar nature of water causes surface tension. Water molecules being polar in nature rearrange themselves into two poles, one is positively charged while the other is negatively charged.

The adjacent water molecules attract each other through these positive and negative poles.

Unlike water molecules below the surface, the surface water molecules are not surrounded by other water molecules on all sides and hence they form a thin surface layer due to which an object that is submerged can move easily.

Hence, option B is correct

Answer 2

Answer: Cohesion

Surface tension is the property of water to acquire least surface area. Cohesion is the property of liquid which explains intermolecular attraction, water molecules have hydrogen atoms which shows binding between hydrogen atoms of other molecules. Cohesive forces are responsible for surface tension. The intermolecular binding between water molecules will facilitate small size on the surface and hence, water acquires spherical shape.