Adhesion, Cohesion & Surface Tension

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules to each other.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to the cohesive nature of its molecules.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule in which opposite ends have opposite electric charges.

Front

What two elements make up water?

Back

Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

How does surface tension allow a paperclip to float on water?

Back

Surface tension creates a 'skin' on the water's surface that can support the weight of the paperclip if placed gently.

Front

What is the relationship between cohesion and surface tension?

Back

Cohesion contributes to surface tension; the stronger the cohesive forces between molecules, the higher the surface tension.

Front

What is an example of adhesion in everyday life?

Back

An example of adhesion is water droplets sticking to a leaf.

Front

What role does temperature play in surface tension?

Back

As temperature increases, surface tension typically decreases because the molecules have more energy and move apart.