Calculating Angle for Water Rolling on Glass Plane

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SUMMARY

The angle at which water droplets begin to roll down a glass plane is influenced by several factors, including the surface tension of the water, the smoothness of the glass, the type of glass used, and the presence of impurities such as detergents. A precise angle cannot be determined universally for all glass types due to these varying parameters. For projects like solar stills, understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the angle of tilt for effective water purification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surface tension and its effects on liquids.
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically types of glass and their surface characteristics.
  • Familiarity with the principles of fluid dynamics.
  • Basic physics concepts related to angles and forces.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of surface tension on droplet behavior on different materials.
  • Investigate the properties of various types of glass and their impact on water interaction.
  • Learn about the role of impurities, such as detergents, in altering surface tension.
  • Explore experimental methods for measuring the angle of inclination for water flow on surfaces.
USEFUL FOR

Students working on projects involving fluid dynamics, engineers designing solar stills, and researchers studying the interaction between liquids and solid surfaces.

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Homework Statement


So I need to get a rough calculation:
At what angle does drops of water start rolling down a plane of glalss.
This is for my project where we are using a solar still to purify water. I just need ot get a rough calculation so I know at what angle to tilt the plane of glass. I am aware that I could experiment but for the class I need calculations.
Thanks.
 
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Surface tension is what is stopping the drops from moving.
You will need to investigate what parameters effect the surface tension - this is going to be dominated by the nature of the glass surfacd, how smooth, what type of glass (surface charge) and any impurities on the surface ( particulalry detergents).

There isn't a single number for just glass.
 

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