Water surface tension
Question
A student asks why the surface of a small pool of water resists disruption. Which molecular interaction contributes to this surface tension?
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AMutual attraction among water molecules✓ Correct
This attraction produces surface tension.
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BAttraction only between water and the container✗ Incorrect
The relevant attraction is among the water molecules themselves.
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CRepulsion among all water molecules✗ Incorrect
Attraction, rather than universal repulsion, explains the effect.
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DA separate solid layer on the water✗ Incorrect
Surface tension arises from molecular attraction within the water.
Answer
A. Mutual attraction among water molecules
Rationale
Water molecules attract neighboring water molecules. That attraction contributes to surface tension.
RememberAttraction between water molecules produces surface tension.
Sources
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Adhesion and Cohesion of Water
U.S. Geological Survey · License: US government work (public domain) · Retrieved · Cohesion makes a water drop a drop
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Surface Tension and Water
U.S. Geological Survey · License: US government work (public domain) · Retrieved · Cohesion and Surface Tension
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Question hesi-b-00051, version 1
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