Everyday Science · 45 sec
Surface tension
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
Surface tension is the energy per unit area due to having a surface in a liquid.
- How it works
It has the dimension of force per unit length, or energy per unit area.
- Why it matters
The two are equivalent, but when referring to energy per unit of area, it is common to use the term surface energy, which is a more general term in the sense that it applies also to solids.
Why this matters
Look for Surface tension the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Surface tension the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Surface tension?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
Surface tension is the energy per unit area due to having a surface in a liquid.