A phenomenon apparent at the boundary of any liquid whereby an elastic film appears to be stretched over the surface. It is caused by the attractive forces between molecules at the surface of the liquid. The surface tension of water is particularly strong due to the orientation of the hydrogen bonds in the water molecule. This property slows down the vaporization of water and helps prevent plant desiccation. More importantly surface tension is responsible, with the strong adhesive forces of water, for * capillarity. |
