Adhesion, Cohesion & Surface Tension

Adhesion is the tendency of different kinds of molecules to stick together. For example, water molecules sticking to glass.

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance. For example, water molecules sticking to each other.

Surface tension is the elastic tendency of a fluid surface that makes it acquire the least surface area possible. It allows small objects to float on water.

Hydrogen and oxygen.

Water droplets take a spherical shape due to cohesion, as water molecules are attracted to each other.

Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often seen when water moves up a thin tube.

The hydrogen end of the water molecule has a slightly positive charge.

An example of adhesion is water sticking to the surface of a leaf.

An example of cohesion is water forming droplets on a surface.

Surface tension allows small insects, like water striders, to walk on the surface of water without sinking.