The Free Surface Profile: Investigating Liquid Energy

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The discussion centers on the concept of the free surface profile of liquids, which is claimed to be independent of liquid properties according to Fox McDonald’s 6th edition. However, doubts arise regarding whether liquids naturally seek a shape that minimizes energy. The local curvature of the free surface is influenced by the pressure jump across the surface and interfacial energy, as described by the Laplace equation. While some argue that these factors are not properties of the bulk fluid, interfacial energy is indeed dependent on the materials involved. This highlights the complexity of understanding liquid behavior in relation to energy minimization.
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In fox mcdonald - 6th edition page 83...i read that the free surface profile is independent of any property of liquid. But i have doubt that any liquid tried to acquire a shape so as to minimize its energy.
So what went wrong?
 
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I don't have that book, but the free surface profile- the local curvature- is set by the pressure jump across the surface and the interfacial energy (Laplace equation). I suppose one could argue that neither is a property of the bulk fluid, but the interfacial energy is dependent on both materials.
 

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