A property of liquids in which the exposed surface tends to contract to the smallest possible area, as in the spherical formation of drops. This is a phenomenon attributed to the cohesion between the molecules of the liquid.
The force exerted between the surface molecules of a fluid.
Molecular property of film on surface of a liquid to resist rupture. The molecules are mutually attracted, and their cohesive state presents the smallest surface area to the surrounding medium. This accounts for the spherical shape assumed by fluids, such as drops of oil or water.
Surface tension is a force that acts at the boundary between different mediums, like between a liquid and a gas, two distinct liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. This force arises because of the unequal molecular attractions on both sides of the interface. In simple terms, it’s the force within a liquid’s surface that causes it to try and minimize its surface area. For example, the surface tension of water in contact with air at 20°C (68°F) is 72.5 dynes per centimeter.