Higher intermolecular forces generally result in which effect on surface tension?

Higher intermolecular forces generally result in which effect on surface tension?

• A. Lower surface tension
• B. Higher surface tension
• C. No change
• D. Surface tension becomes zero

Answer: (B)

When molecules attract each other strongly, the surface layer of a liquid feels a strong inward pull from its neighbors. This creates a tiny “skin” at the surface that resists being stretched or expanded. Surface tension is the energy required to increase the surface area of a liquid, so the stronger those cohesive forces, the more energy is needed per unit area. That means the liquid resists expansion more, giving a higher surface tension. For example, water has a relatively high surface tension because of strong hydrogen bonding, while liquids with weaker intermolecular forces have lower surface tension. Temperature can affect this too—raising temperature generally decreases surface tension by providing energy to break those interactions. But in terms of the strength of intermolecular forces, higher forces lead to higher surface tension.

When molecules attract each other strongly, the surface layer of a liquid feels a strong inward pull from its neighbors. This creates a tiny “skin” at the surface that resists being stretched or expanded. Surface tension is the energy required to increase the surface area of a liquid, so the stronger those cohesive forces, the more energy is needed per unit area. That means the liquid resists expansion more, giving a higher surface tension.

For example, water has a relatively high surface tension because of strong hydrogen bonding, while liquids with weaker intermolecular forces have lower surface tension. Temperature can affect this too—raising temperature generally decreases surface tension by providing energy to break those interactions. But in terms of the strength of intermolecular forces, higher forces lead to higher surface tension.