Surface Tension (N/m² = J/m³)

  • Fluid property associated with the presence of a surface toward air
  • Interfacial tension- is used to describe analogous phenomena for fluid having interfaces with solids or other liquids (can be +/-)
  • Water molecules are forced toward the surface of a fluid due to placement on other molecules and attractive forces. (the attractive force at equilibrium in water but when pushed to the surface; attractive equilibrium is lost and pulls molecules away from the surface, but they can’t go anywhere because surface CAN’T shrink.
  • This creates some internal pressure and forces liquid surfaces to contract to the minimal area.
  • A force is required to hold the molecules at the surface area (Ơ) [high energy particles out the exterior with no “neighbor” molecules to hold it at equilibrium.]
  • A fluid will shrink to the minimal surface area to maintain low energy

Ơ= ∆E/ ∆A (in J/m^2 = N/m=(kg/s^2) ***ALWAYS POSITIVE

W= ∆E = Ơ x ∆A

Ơ= F/lx

  • WORK MUST BE DONE TO INCREASES SURFACE OF A FLUID (either force stretch a film or energy to increase surface area)
  • Surface tension and pressure are the same (can be regarded as a FORCE, or ENERGY)
  • Can be used on thin soap films due to its high cohesiveness
  • Cannot use same set up for water; must place flat solid interface on it and determine the force needed to left solid off of the fluid.

Bubbles and Droplets

  • Raindrops are an example of an open system
  • Take the most geometrical shape to have the least energy to form surfaces
  • Least energy/ surface area for a fixed volume…a SPHERE (alveoli take this shape)
  • Energy is given off and raindrop ascertains sphere space;

Laplace Law

∆p= (4 x ơ)/ r (r= radius)

  • Transmural pressure: ∆p= pinside-poutside (In lungs; the difference between alveolar & pleural pressure)
  • The pressure inside the bubble is greater to stop it from imploding
  • One Surface: Droplets, homogeneous cylinders
  • Two Surfaces: Bubbles, hollow tubes
  • Hollow/ Homogeneous tubes; finite curvature in only ONE direction across their surfaces
  • Bubbles/ Droplets; finite curvature in only TWO directions across their surfaces

The pressure difference between the inside and outside of a fluid with a curved surface is INVERSELY proportional to the radius of curvature of the curved surface.

Smaller bubble, droplet, cylinder has a larger pressure difference ∆p

Formulas

∆p= pinside – poutside= (4 x ơ)/r [BUBBLES]

∆p= pinside – poutside= (2 x ơ)/r [HOLLOW CYLINDERS/ DROPLET]

∆p= pinside – poutside= (2 x ơ)/r [SOLID CYLINDERS]

***Surface tension for a capillary of small radius must be smaller than the surface tension of an arteriole with a larger radius:

rarteriole > rcapillary -> ơarteriole > ơcapillary

  • Allows walls of capillaries to be thinner; this, in turn, improves the efficiency to be thinner; improves diffusion of O2 and transport of small ions [Small alveoli are more effective at gas exchange]
  • Pulmonary Surfactants: wet the alveolar surface to counterbalance radius effect
  • Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: premature baby can’t make surfactants and lung is stiff; alveoli collapse.
author avatar
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
William completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in 2013. He current serves as a lecturer, tutor and freelance writer. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, walking his dog and parasailing. Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0

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