Why is low surface energy important for water droplets on hydrophobic surfaces?

In summary, a thin film of water has surface tension due to strong bonds on the surface, which increases the potential energy. This causes water to form droplets on hydrophobic surfaces, reducing the surface area to volume ratio. The importance of having a low surface energy is because total energy is not conserved, but rather minimized for a specific case. Total energy is the sum of surface energy and bulk phase energy, which is determined by surface area and surface tension, respectively.
  • #1
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a thin film of water has surface tension due to the strong bonds present on the surface in order to counteract the net downward force and this increases the potential energy of the surface layer of particles therefore on a
hydrophobic surface it forms a water droplet , my question is since it forms a water droplet reducing it surface area to volume ratio ;why is having a low surface energy so important because the total energy is conserved anyway ?
 
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  • #2
Total energy is not conserved; it is minimized for whatever specific case happens to hold.
 
  • #3
can you explain why it is not conserved ?
 
  • #4
Total energy equals the sum of surface energy plus bulk phase energy, and that is surface area times surface tension (variable) plus bulk phase (essentially a constant).
 

What is surface tension?

Surface tension is a physical property of liquids that describes the force acting on the surface of the liquid due to the attraction between molecules. It is the reason why drops of liquid form spherical shapes and why certain insects can walk on water.

How is surface tension of water measured?

The surface tension of water can be measured using a tensiometer, which measures the force required to pull a wire or rod from the surface of the water. The resulting force divided by the length of the wire/rod gives the surface tension of water in units of force per unit length (e.g. N/m).

What factors affect the surface tension of water?

Temperature, pressure, and the presence of solutes can all affect the surface tension of water. As temperature increases, surface tension decreases. Higher pressures also decrease surface tension. Adding solutes to water can either increase or decrease surface tension, depending on the properties of the solute.

Why is surface tension important?

Surface tension is important for many reasons. It allows insects to walk on water, supports the upward movement of water in plants, and helps blood flow in our bodies. It also plays a crucial role in the formation of bubbles, droplets, and other liquid behaviors.

How does surface tension of water differ from other liquids?

The surface tension of water is higher compared to most other liquids due to the strong attraction between water molecules. This is due to the polar nature of water molecules, which allows them to form hydrogen bonds with each other. This results in a cohesive force that gives water a higher surface tension than many other liquids.

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