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As polar water molecules link at the surface of a body of water, surface tension is created. This phenomenon occurs due to the cohesive forces between water molecules, which are stronger at the surface where they are exposed to air. These cohesive forces allow small objects, such as a needle or certain insects, to float on the surface without sinking. Surface tension also plays a crucial role in various biological and physical processes, including the behavior of droplets and the movement of water in plants.

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What are the unique characteristics of water?

One is that the water molecule is polar. It has a positive and a negative side. The polar attraction of the molecules explains the surface tension of water.


Do detergents lower the surface tension of water by interfering with the formation of hydrogen bonds?

Detergent has both a non-polar end and a polar end. This polar end grabs onto the hydrogen bonds formed by the polar nature of water, and grabs at them more strongly than the water grabs at each other.


Are non polar molecules soluble in water?

No.Water can't dissolve non-polar molecules. Water is a polar molecule. Since polar molecules can only dissolve with polar molecules, and non-polar molecules can only dissolve with non-polar molecules, water and non-polar molecules don't react together. Exception:- Some very small non-polar molecules can dissolve in water, like oxygen (O2)


Why does kerosene have less surface tension?

Kerosene has less surface tension than water because its molecules are less polar and can't form hydrogen bonds as easily as water molecules. This results in weaker intermolecular forces between kerosene molecules at the surface, leading to lower surface tension.


Why does the oil remain on the surface of the water in the puddle?

Oil is less dense than water, so it floats on the surface. The molecules in oil are also non-polar, which prevents them from mixing easily with the polar molecules in water. This difference in density and polarity causes the oil to form a distinct layer on top of the water.

Related Questions

What property of water accounts for the fact that molecules of water grab the walls of the thin xylem vessels?

Adhesion. Adhesion causes polar water molecules to adhere to the surface of a material that is polar.


What are the unique characteristics of water?

One is that the water molecule is polar. It has a positive and a negative side. The polar attraction of the molecules explains the surface tension of water.


If water has no net charge explain why it attracts polar molecules and repels non-polar molecules?

Water attracts polar molecules and repels non-polar molecules because water has polar molecules. Water does have a net dipole though it doesn't have net charge.


What type of molecules dissolves in water polar or nonpolar?

Polar molecules dissolve in water. The reason why polar molecules dissolve in water, but not non-polar molecules is because non-polar molecules can't form hydrogen bonds.


Why do oil and water hate each other?

Water is polar while oils are non-polar. Molecules that are polar will mix with other polar molecules, and non-polar molecules will mix with other non-polar molecules. Polar and non-polar molecules will not mix.


What type of molecules interact with water polar or nonpolar?

Polar molecules interact with water because water is a polar molecule itself. Nonpolar molecules do not interact with water because they do not have regions of positive and negative charge like polar molecules do.


Why kerosene has more surface tension than water?

Kerosene has more surface tension than water because the molecules in kerosene are non-polar, which allows them to pack closely together at the surface. This stronger intermolecular attraction results in a higher surface tension compared to water, which has polar molecules that are more prone to forming hydrogen bonds, reducing surface tension.


Do detergents lower the surface tension of water by interfering with the formation of hydrogen bonds?

Detergent has both a non-polar end and a polar end. This polar end grabs onto the hydrogen bonds formed by the polar nature of water, and grabs at them more strongly than the water grabs at each other.


Are non polar molecules soluble in water?

No.Water can't dissolve non-polar molecules. Water is a polar molecule. Since polar molecules can only dissolve with polar molecules, and non-polar molecules can only dissolve with non-polar molecules, water and non-polar molecules don't react together. Exception:- Some very small non-polar molecules can dissolve in water, like oxygen (O2)


how do you explain what polar molecules are?

Water molecules are polar molecules. Both of the bonds inside the molecule are polar bonds.


How the inside of a cell remains separated from its environment?

when phospholipids are arranged in a way that polar heads can be closest to water molecules and the nonpolar molecues tails can be found away from the water molecules. when phospholipid molecules come toghether in this way a barrier is created that is polar at that surface and non polar in the middle. Water substances will not move easily through the plasma because they are stopped by the non polar middle. Therefore, the plasma membarane can separate the enovironmet insde the cell from the environment outside the cell.


What creates the skin like surface formed due to the polar nature of water?

The surface tension of water, caused by its polar nature, creates a skin-like surface due to the attractive forces between water molecules at the surface. This results in a thin, elastic layer that can support lightweight objects on its surface.