Question

Surface tension of water arises due to which type of forces between water molecules at the surface?

Options

• Adhesive forces between water and air molecules

• Cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface

• Gravitational forces between water molecules

• Electrostatic repulsion between water molecules

Answer 1

Cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface

Explanation:

Surface tension arises because water molecules at the surface experience a net inward pull due to cohesive forces from neighbouring molecules below and beside them, but not from above. This creates a tension-like effect at the water surface.