Effect of contamination and solutes on surface tension

AI Thread Summary
Contamination decreases surface tension because foreign particles disrupt the cohesive forces between fluid molecules, preventing them from attracting each other effectively. Highly soluble substances can increase surface tension, while sparingly soluble substances may decrease it, similar to contaminants. The discussion highlights the complexity of how solutes and contaminants interact with fluid dynamics. The term "surfactants" is introduced, indicating a more advanced understanding of the topic. Overall, the interplay between solutes, contaminants, and surface tension is nuanced and requires further exploration of fluid physics principles.
takando12
Messages
122
Reaction score
5
I was asked to explain how different factors affect surface tension. I can understand how temperature plays a role.
1) Contamination:
Increase in contamination decreases surface tension. I tried thinking about it.I thought maybe the particles that contaminate the fluid get in the way and don't allow the fluid particles to attract each as much as they usually do?( forgive me if that is terribly wrong).
2) Solutes:
Highly soluble substances increase the surface tension. I can't think of anything. For sparingly soluble substances, the same analogy of contaminants could possible be used to decrease surface tension.

Could someone help me understand the reasons?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Solutes can increase or decrease surface tension (soap,salt). "Contaminants?" Soluble or insoluble?
 
Bystander said:
Solutes can increase or decrease surface tension (soap,salt).
But why?? What do they actually do?
Bystander said:
"Contaminants?" Soluble or insoluble?
Insoluble I guess.
 
takando12 said:
I was asked to explain how different factors affect surface tension. I can understand how temperature plays a role.
1) Contamination:
Increase in contamination decreases surface tension. I tried thinking about it.I thought maybe the particles that contaminate the fluid get in the way and don't allow the fluid particles to attract each as much as they usually do?( forgive me if that is terribly wrong).
2) Solutes:
Highly soluble substances increase the surface tension. I can't think of anything. For sparingly soluble substances, the same analogy of contaminants could possible be used to decrease surface tension.

Could someone help me understand the reasons?

Answers to your questions (the proper term is 'surfactants') are not at the beginner level. How much fluid physics do you know?
 

Thread '1:1 versus 2:1 Mechanical Advantage debate'

The rope is tied into the person (the load of 200 pounds) and the rope goes up from the person to a fixed pulley and back down to his hands. He hauls the rope to suspend himself in the air. What is the mechanical advantage of the system? The person will indeed only have to lift half of his body weight (roughly 100 pounds) because he now lessened the load by that same amount. This APPEARS to be a 2:1 because he can hold himself with half the force, but my question is: is that mechanical...
View full post »

Thread 'Average velocity as a weighted mean'

Hello everyone, Consider the problem in which a car is told to travel at 30 km/h for L kilometers and then at 60 km/h for another L kilometers. Next, you are asked to determine the average speed. My question is: although we know that the average speed in this case is the harmonic mean of the two speeds, is it also possible to state that the average speed over this 2L-kilometer stretch can be obtained as a weighted average of the two speeds? Best regards, DaTario
View full post »

Thread 'Newton's first law?'

Some physics textbook writer told me that Newton's first law applies only on bodies that feel no interactions at all. He said that if a body is on rest or moves in constant velocity, there is no external force acting on it. But I have heard another form of the law that says the net force acting on a body must be zero. This means there is interactions involved after all. So which one is correct?
View full post »

Similar threads

Factors affecting surface tension
Replies
2
Views
1K
What is Pressure and surface tension in fluids
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Does Increased Surface Tension Affect Liquid Surface Area and Volume?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Confusion regarding surface tension direction and force balance
Replies
39
Views
2K
Effect of temperature on surface tension
Replies
2
Views
1K
Surface Tension and force required to pull a thin ring
Replies
4
Views
4K
How does soap water membrane thickness affect surface tension?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Upside down Cup with water to hold the plate
Replies
2
Views
3K
I How Does Surface Tension Balance Small Objects on Water Surface?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Surface Tension - Lung Alveoli
Replies
3
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top