Which statements correctly describe the molecular origin and basic properties of surface tension?
Select all that apply

Question

Which statements correctly describe the molecular origin and basic properties of surface tension?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Surface molecules have fewer neighbouring molecules and therefore possess excess potential energy compared with molecules in the bulk. A liquid tends to minimize this excess surface energy by reducing its free-surface area. Surface tension is force per unit length, so its dimensions are force/length. For a single liquid surface in the usual reversible isothermal interpretation, the work required to create unit area equals the surface tension. Therefore all four statements are correct.