Question

Which compound would you expect to have greater surface tension, acetone [(CH₃)₂CO] or water (H₂O)? Why?

A) Acetone; it has a larger molecular weight
B) Water; it forms hydrogen bonds
C) Acetone; it has a more polar structure
D) Water; it has a lower boiling point

Answer 1

Water would be expected to have greater surface tension compared to acetone due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water (H₂O) would be expected to have greater surface tension compared to acetone [(CH₃)₂CO]. One reason for this is that water can form hydrogen bonds between its molecules, which are stronger than the London dispersion forces that act in acetone. These intermolecular forces contribute to surface tension, the force that allows water to resist external forces and form droplets.