Is surface tension conservative?

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SUMMARY

Surface tension is not a conservative force due to its dependence on the contact angle, which can vary and still maintain thermodynamic equilibrium. The discussion highlights the concepts of hysteresis and canthotaxis as key factors in this determination. Additionally, the presence of capillary waves suggests that surface tension behaves in a non-conservative manner. Therefore, surface tension should be understood as a force influenced by external conditions rather than a conservative force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surface tension and its properties
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic equilibrium concepts
  • Familiarity with hysteresis and canthotaxis
  • Basic principles of capillary waves
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of hysteresis in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the role of canthotaxis in surface tension behavior
  • Study the effects of capillary waves on fluid surfaces
  • Investigate thermodynamic equilibrium in various fluid systems
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Students of physics, fluid dynamics researchers, and professionals in materials science seeking to deepen their understanding of surface tension and its implications in various applications.

Hanyu Ye
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Hello, everybody. Is surface tension a conservative force? I think so, because it is related to surface energy. But I am not 100% sure. Thanks a lot.
 
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Interesting question.

I think 'no', because the contact angle can assume a range of values (hysteresis, canthotaxis) and the surface will still be considered in thermodynamic equilibrium. On the other hand, the existence of capillary waves would seem to imply the converse.
 

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