Surface Tension vs. Capillary Force

AI Thread Summary
Surface tension and capillary force are related but distinct concepts in fluid dynamics. Surface tension refers to the force per unit length acting at the surface of a liquid, while capillary force arises from the interaction of adhesive forces to the walls and cohesive forces within the fluid. Capillary action is a phenomenon that occurs due to surface tension, enabling liquids to rise in narrow spaces. Understanding the differences between these forces is crucial for applications in various scientific fields. Both concepts illustrate the complex interactions between liquids and their environments.
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What's the difference between surface tension and capillary force?
Surface tension, a tensor, is the force per unit length. Again surface energy is the energy required to increase the surface area by one unit. Is the surface tension a capillary force?
 
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Can you not tell one from the other?

Capillary action and surface tension are names for related but not identical phenomena.
 
Capillary force is one of the phenomenon due to surface tension.
 
Meir Achuz said:
Capillary force is one of the phenomenon due to surface tension.
Capilary effects are due to both: adhesive forces to the walls, and cohesive forces within the fluid. Surface tension is just cohesion.
 

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