Surface tension arises at a liquid's surface due to cohesive forces between surface molecules, creating tension. Particles below lack unbalanced forces, preventing surface tension. A graphic organizer comparing crystalline and amorphous solids highlights differences in two types of solids.
Surface tension is a result of the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface of a liquid. At the surface, molecules experience a net inward force due to unbalanced intermolecular attractions from the molecules within the liquid. This cohesive force tends to minimize the surface area and creates a "skin" or tension at the surface. In contrast, particles below the surface experience balanced forces from all directions, resulting in a lack of net force and surface tension.
The graphic organizer has been attached.