Water's Property: Droplets Stay Stuck in Inverted Tumbler

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When a stainless steel tumbler is inverted after being filled with water, droplets remain stuck to the walls due to surface tension. This phenomenon is influenced by the contact angle between the water and the tumbler material; a lower contact angle allows water to cling more effectively. In contrast, if mercury were used instead of water, it would not adhere to the tumbler due to its high contact angle with steel. Understanding these principles highlights the interplay between surface tension and material properties. The discussion emphasizes that surface tension is not the sole factor; contact angle also plays a crucial role.
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Hi
When we fill a tumbler( of stainless steel) with water and then invert it ie empty it . The tumbler gets empty except a few drops of water. even if you keep the tumbler inverted for hours the water droplets do not fall down they remain stuck to the walls of the tumbler.
I hope you all reply soon
 
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Hi - you didn't ask any questions there, but the effect you are talking about is surface tension...
 
russ_watters said:
Hi - you didn't ask any questions there, but the effect you are talking about is surface tension...

Hi
I know what surface tension is but is this the only reason for it
 
A little bit more. This phenomenon depends on the contact angle between water and the tumbler material as well. For example, if you test with Hg instead of water, there must be no Hg held in the tumbler any more. The contact angle of Hg against steel is too high.
 
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