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surface tension relates with flotation in that the stronger the surface tension, the easier an object will float.

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15y ago
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14y ago

Surface tension is in water and we can't see it but when we place something in water the water is pushing up while the thing is pushing down, causing it to float.

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13y ago

It forms the spherical shape.

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Q: What does surface tension have to do wih floating?
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What does the term interfacial tension mean?

The term interfacial tension or surface tension means the contractive tendency of a liquid that lets it resist and external force. Interfacial tension could be observed from the floating of objects on the surface of water, even though they are more dense than water.


Why does the pepper run away when soap is added?

Soap disrupts the surface tension of water. So if you have fine particles floating in water (I personally use parsley flakes, which float better than pepper does) and you put a tiny trace of soap on your finger, and then touch the water, it breaks the surface tension at that point - but the surface tension of the water on the OTHER side of the flake is unchanged. The surface tension pulls the flakes away from the soap. So the flakes aren't running away - they are being released from the surface tension!


What is an example of surface tension?

An insect that appears to be floating on the surface of water is staying on top due to surface tension. If a couple of drops of soap are added to the water, the surface tension is greatly reduced and the insect will sink. I use this as an example since it can easily be tested around the house. Insects aren't necessary for the experiment since other small objects should work as well.


How does an arrowhead floats on water?

Water has a property called "surface tension". This causes the surface molecules to be attracted to each other so as to form a 'skin' on the surface. This will allow an object that is heavier than water to appear to "float" on the surface, but NOT due to bouyancy alone. If you were to put a surfactant (soap) in the water it would eliminate the Surface Tension, and the floating arrowhead would then sink.


What liquid have the strongest surface tension?

Mercury is the liquid with the strongest surface tension.

Related questions

Why does oil in a bowl of water get repelled when washing liquid is dropped on it?

The oil is not repelled. It is floating on the surface of the water as a thin film. Water has very high surface tension, but when soap or detergent is added to water that surface tension suddenly drops. The water surface now contracts like a punctured rubber sheet toward the remaining area of high surface tension, dragging the oil film floating on its surface with it.


What reaction produces a floating film on waters surface?

It's not a reaction, it is either the difference in density or the effect of the surface tension of the water


What does the term interfacial tension mean?

The term interfacial tension or surface tension means the contractive tendency of a liquid that lets it resist and external force. Interfacial tension could be observed from the floating of objects on the surface of water, even though they are more dense than water.


How can you break the attachment of molecules in the surface tension?

The surface tension of water can be broken by adding dishwashing detergent to the water. This can be demonstrated by filling a bowl with water, then floating a needle in it. This may sound almost impossible, but it can be easily achieved by placing the needle on a tissue, then carefully floating it on the water. When the tissue sinks, the needle should remain on the surface. It is prevented from sinking by the water's surface tension. Carefully add one drop of dishwashing detergent, and the needle will sink. You can prove this was due to the surface tension being broken by trying to float the needle again. If you added enough detergent this should be impossible, as detergent acts as a wetting agent and breaks the surface tension.


What is a force that acts on particles at a liquids surface?

Surface tension. It always tends to acquire minimum surface area thats why water droplets form spherical shape.


Why does the pepper run away when soap is added?

Soap disrupts the surface tension of water. So if you have fine particles floating in water (I personally use parsley flakes, which float better than pepper does) and you put a tiny trace of soap on your finger, and then touch the water, it breaks the surface tension at that point - but the surface tension of the water on the OTHER side of the flake is unchanged. The surface tension pulls the flakes away from the soap. So the flakes aren't running away - they are being released from the surface tension!


What is an example of surface tension?

An insect that appears to be floating on the surface of water is staying on top due to surface tension. If a couple of drops of soap are added to the water, the surface tension is greatly reduced and the insect will sink. I use this as an example since it can easily be tested around the house. Insects aren't necessary for the experiment since other small objects should work as well.


How can a sewing needle float on the surface of water?

The needle does not break the surface tension (meniscus). Get a small piece of toilet tissue and lay it on a glass of water. lay a needle on the tissue. The tissue will become sodden and sink, leaving the needle floating on the surface tension. Put the smallest drop of washing-up liquid on the water. The surface tension will be destroyed and the needle will sink. Try it.


How does an arrowhead floats on water?

Water has a property called "surface tension". This causes the surface molecules to be attracted to each other so as to form a 'skin' on the surface. This will allow an object that is heavier than water to appear to "float" on the surface, but NOT due to bouyancy alone. If you were to put a surfactant (soap) in the water it would eliminate the Surface Tension, and the floating arrowhead would then sink.


How does buoyancy float?

Buoancy is the upward force that keeps things floating. I guess it doesn't need surface tension.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buoyancy


Can a needle float in soapy water?

Yes it is not possible. Because as soap is added then surface tension would get reduced and so possibility of float becomes less. When we carefully place the same needle on ordinary water floating is quite possible as water has more surface tension


Surface Tension is found in what?

Surface tension is found in Liquid