Chapter 11, Problem 25QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The terms adhesion and cohesion are to be explained using water and mercury as examples.

Concept Introduction:

The phenomenon by which the liquid tends to minimize its surface area is called surface tension. The basic cause of surface tension is the intermolecular forces.

Adhesion is the tendency of different molecules to attract each other.

Cohesion is the attraction of similar molecules.

If the meniscus of a liquid is concave, then adhesion is stronger than cohesion, the liquid rises up in the tube.

If the meniscus of a liquid is convex, then cohesion is stronger than adhesion, the liquid level goes down in the tube.