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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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What happens when detergent is added to the floating object in the water?

When detergent is added to a floating object in water, it can break the surface tension of the water causing the object to sink. This happens because the detergent molecules disrupt the cohesive forces that keep the object floating by reducing the surface tension of the water.


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.


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!


Why would a pin float if you just dropped it in water?

Because of surface tension on the top of the water. Surface tension is when the water molecules stick together allowing a small, light object to "float" on the surface. If you genitally pushed on the pin after is settled on the water, you would break the surface tension and the pin would sink.


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.

Related Questions

What happens when detergent is added to the floating object in the water?

When detergent is added to a floating object in water, it can break the surface tension of the water causing the object to sink. This happens because the detergent molecules disrupt the cohesive forces that keep the object floating by reducing the surface tension of the water.


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 is the reason between the floating paper clip and the tissue paper?

The floating paper clip and tissue paper demonstrate the principles of surface tension and density. The paper clip, although denser than water, can float due to surface tension, which creates a "skin" on the water's surface that supports the weight of the clip. In contrast, the tissue paper is less dense and absorbs water, causing it to become saturated and sink. This experiment highlights how surface tension can counteract gravity under certain conditions.


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 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.


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.


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!


Why would a pin float if you just dropped it in water?

Because of surface tension on the top of the water. Surface tension is when the water molecules stick together allowing a small, light object to "float" on the surface. If you genitally pushed on the pin after is settled on the water, you would break the surface tension and the pin would 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


Steel pin on a filter paper and put it on the surface of water in a china dish filter paper will soon sink down by absorbing water while the pin will keep floating what is the reason?

Surface tension


What is the effect of sodium chloride on the surface tension of water?

The surface tension of water is increased for salted water.Sodium chloride increase the surface tension of water.