If a liquid has a high surface tension, what can be inferred about its molecular interactions?
Correct Answer: Strong intermolecular forces
- Step 1: Understand what surface tension is. Surface tension is the force that makes the surface of a liquid behave like a stretched elastic sheet.
- Step 2: Recognize that surface tension is caused by the attraction between molecules in the liquid.
- Step 3: Identify that if a liquid has high surface tension, it means the molecules are strongly attracted to each other.
- Step 4: Conclude that strong molecular interactions lead to high surface tension because the molecules stick together more tightly.
- Surface Tension – Surface tension is the property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force due to the cohesive nature of its molecules.
- Intermolecular Forces – Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions).
- Cohesion – Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which contributes to surface tension.
