Surface Tension of Water: The Effects of Syrup on Surface Tension

[KayEl9]

Hello. I'd like to ask: does syrup increase or reduce the surface tension of water? Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

Hello. I'd like to ask: does syrup increase or reduce the surface tension of water? Thanks.

What is the context of your question? Why do you ask?

 

[Andy Resnick]

Water is very sensitive to contamination- small impurities can have large effects on the interfacial energy- specifically, the interfacial energy will drastically drop.

If you are looking for a quantitative number, you have to be more specific- what kind of syrup? what is the ratio syrup/water? what temperature?

 

[KayEl9]

Well, I think I should've explained it in the question :)

I'm just thinking about the surface tension because of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ctaA2mERzI"
I think it could theoretically be possible if the surface tension was strong enough and not disturbed by things such as bubbles etc. And I was thinking if it would be more realistic if syrup (or something else) was added to the water. I just don't know if the syrup would increase or reduce the surface tension.

EDIT: Andy Resnick: So does the first line of your post mean that there isn't any substance that could increase the surface tension (because it would always mean polluting the water)?

 

[Andy Resnick]

You do realize the video is a trick/joke, right?

AFAIK, the interfacial energy of a solution is always less than the pure solvent.

 

[KayEl9]

Yes, I realize that. But that doesn't have to prevent me from thinking of the psychical side of it.
Anyway, thanks for your answers.