Question

Is surface tension due to cohesive or adhesive forces, or both?

a) Cohesive forces.
b) Adhesive forces.
c) Both cohesive and adhesive forces.
d) Neither cohesive nor adhesive forces.

Answer 1

Surface tension is primarily caused by cohesive forces, which are the attraction between molecules of the same type, leading to the contraction of a liquid's surface area.

Step-by-step explanation:

Is surface tension due to cohesive forces, adhesive forces, or both? Surface tension is a phenomenon where the surface of a liquid is in a state of tension, which is the result of cohesive forces acting between molecules. Adhesive forces are the attractive forces between molecules of different types, which cause a substance to stick to a surface. However, it is the cohesive forces, which are the attractive forces between molecules of the same type, that are responsible for the contraction of the liquid's surface to the smallest possible area—hence contributing to surface tension. The correct answer is a) Cohesive forces.