Water's Property: Droplets Stay Stuck in Inverted Tumbler

In summary, the conversation discusses the phenomenon of surface tension and how it affects the amount of water remaining in an inverted tumbler. This phenomenon is also dependent on the contact angle between the water and the material of the tumbler. If a different liquid, such as Hg, is used, the results may be different due to the contact angle being too high.
  • #1
Milind_shyani
42
0
Hi
When we fill a tumbler( of stainless steel) with water and then invert it ie empty it . The tumbler gets empty except a few drops of water. even if you keep the tumbler inverted for hours the water droplets do not fall down they remain stuck to the walls of the tumbler.
I hope you all reply soon
 
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  • #2
Hi - you didn't ask any questions there, but the effect you are talking about is surface tension...
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
Hi - you didn't ask any questions there, but the effect you are talking about is surface tension...

Hi
I know what surface tension is but is this the only reason for it
 
  • #4
A little bit more. This phenomenon depends on the contact angle between water and the tumbler material as well. For example, if you test with Hg instead of water, there must be no Hg held in the tumbler any more. The contact angle of Hg against steel is too high.
 

1. What causes droplets to stay stuck in an inverted tumbler?

When a tumbler is inverted, the force of gravity pulls the water droplets towards the bottom of the tumbler. However, the surface tension of the water creates a thin film that adheres to the surface of the tumbler, preventing the droplets from falling out.

2. Why do the droplets form a dome shape at the bottom of the tumbler?

The surface tension of water causes it to minimize its surface area, which results in a spherical shape. When the droplets are stuck to the surface of the tumbler, they form a dome shape to minimize their surface area and maximize their stability.

3. How does the size of the droplets affect their ability to stay stuck in the tumbler?

The smaller the droplet, the greater the surface tension force that is acting on it. This means that smaller droplets are more likely to stay stuck in the tumbler compared to larger droplets.

4. Can other liquids exhibit the same property as water in an inverted tumbler?

Yes, other liquids with high surface tension, such as soapy water or mercury, can also exhibit the same property of droplets staying stuck in an inverted tumbler.

5. How does the shape of the tumbler affect the droplets' ability to stay stuck?

The shape of the tumbler can impact the surface tension of the water droplets. A wider and flatter tumbler will have a larger surface area, which can result in the droplets being less stable and more likely to fall out. A taller and narrower tumbler will have a smaller surface area, making it easier for the droplets to stay stuck.

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