Chapter 12, Problem 12.59P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The behavior of the liquid, when small, equal-sized drops of oil, water, and mercury lie on a waxed floor, is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Capillary action is the increase in the level of liquid against the force of gravity. The two forces are responsible for the capillary action of a liquid. The intermolecular forces between the liquid molecules are known as cohesive forces and the forces between the liquid and the glass tube are known as adhesive forces. The shape of the drop of molecules will also depend upon these forces.

If cohesive forces dominate over the adhesive forces then the drop is spherical in shape while when adhesive forces dominate over the cohesive forces then the drop will spread out.