Chapter 15, Problem 15.47P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for paper clip to not float on water surface when detergent is added has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

A molecule inside liquid feels attraction from all directions uniformly, but surface molecules only feel force from inward direction. So, surface molecules of a liquid feel a net inward force and therefore tends to minimize their surface area to minimize the number of molecules on the liquid surface. This inward force is surface tension.

Higher the attractive force on molecules, higher will be the surface tension of liquid. Surface tension of a liquid upholds the liquid droplet in spherical form because of its lowest surface area. For a spherical drop, high surface tension in the necessity

Surfactants are chemical compounds that when added to liquid surface decrease their surface tension by deposition at the liquid surface.