Why does the surface of a liquid have a tende | vedclass

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Question

(A) The molecules at the surface of a liquid experience a net inward force because they are attracted only by the molecules below them,not by molecule

Vedclass · Accepted Answer

Due to cohesive forces between molecules.

Vedclass · Answer

(A) The molecules at the surface of a liquid experience a net inward force because they are attracted only by the molecules below them,not by molecules above them (in the air or vapor). This net inward force pulls the surface molecules into the bulk of the liquid,effectively reducing the number of molecules at the surface. Since the potential energy of the system is proportional to the surface area,minimizing the surface area minimizes the potential energy,leading to a state of stable equilibrium. This phenomenon is known as surface tension,which causes the liquid surface to behave like a stretched elastic membrane.

Why does the surface of a liquid have a tendency to minimize its area?

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