Surface tension is due to the forces that hold the molecules of a liquid together.
Before proceeding to unravel the meaning of the term surface tension , what we are going to do is know the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape. In this sense, we can determine that both derive from Latin:
-Tension comes from “tensio”, which means “action and effect of being stretched”. It must also be emphasized that it is the result of the sum of two Latin components: the adjective “tensus”, which can be translated as “stretched”, and the suffix “-cion”, which is used to indicate what the aforementioned “action and effect".
-Superficial, on the other hand, comes from “superficialis”, which can be translated as “the equivalent of the surface”. In your case, it is a term composed of three parts: the prefix “super-”, which is used to indicate “about”; the noun “facies”, which is synonymous with “face”; and the suffix “-al”, which is used to indicate “relative to”.
Surface tension concept
Among the multiple meanings of tension , we can mention its meaning as the situation in which a body finds itself that is under the influence of forces that are opposite, which exert a certain attraction on it. Superficial , on the other hand, is that related to the surface : the outer appearance, the limit or the upper layer of something.
The concept of surface tension is used in the field of physics to refer to the amount of energy required to increase the surface of a liquid per unit area. This energy is needed since liquids exert resistance when increasing the surface area.
Due to surface tension, there are insects that can land on water without sinking.
How it is produced
Surface tension arises from the forces that act by holding the molecules of liquids together. These forces are not equal on the surface and inside the liquid, although on average they end up canceling out. Since the surface molecules have more energy, the system tends to minimize the total energy from a reduction of the surface molecules; In this way, the liquid area is reduced to a minimum.
One of the properties of surface tension indicates that, as the liquid has greater cohesive forces, it will have a greater surface tension. In any case, it must be taken into account that surface tension is linked to the temperature, the medium and the nature of the liquid.
Surface tension, a kind of membrane
We can understand surface tension as a kind of elastic membrane that makes it difficult to “enter” the liquid. Due to this phenomenon, some insects are able to land on water without sinking.
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot ignore that there are various measurements of what the surface tension of a liquid is. However, one of the most widespread and used is the one known as the Du Nouy method, which is undertaken using two important “tools” such as a sheet of the liquid in question and an aluminum ring. Starting from these elements, the calculation is carried out taking into account parameters such as the strength or diameter of the aforementioned ring.