Surface tension

Surface tension is a fascinating phenomenon that arises in liquids through the cohesive forces between molecules. These forces hold the molecules together and cause a tendency to keep the surface of the liquid as small as possible. Imagine the surface of a liquid as a taut, elastic film that strives to shrink.

A classic example of the effects of surface tension is the formation of droplets when water meets a surface. The molecules at the surface of the water droplet attract one another and create a cohesive sphere that is held together by surface tension. This property allows water droplets to bead on surfaces and to display remarkable stability.