Final answer:
If adhesive force is greater than cohesive force, the angle of contact is small, leading the liquid to spread out on the surface because the liquid molecules are attracted more to the surface than to each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
When adhesive force is greater than cohesive force, the angle of contact is small, indicating that the liquid spreads out on the surface. This is because the molecules of the liquid are more attracted to the surface they come in contact with than to each other. As a result, the liquid tends to spread, reducing the contact angle. This can be seen when water flattens on bare paint due to the strong adhesive forces. Conversely, if the cohesive forces are stronger, the liquid forms beads and the angle of contact is larger, as observed with water on a waxed car.