2.13. Liquids http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 2.25
Surface Tension and Viscosity
Two unique properties of liquids are surface tension and viscosity. Surface tension is a force that pulls particles at
the exposed surface of a liquid toward other liquid particles. Surface tension explains why water forms droplets, like
the water droplet that has formed on the leaky faucet pictured in theFigure2.26. You can learn more about surface
tension at this URL: http://io9.com/5668221/an-experiment-with-soap-water-pepper-and-surface-tension.
FIGURE 2.26
Water drips from a leaky faucet.Viscosity is a liquid’s resistance to flowing. You can think of it as friction between particles of liquid. Thicker
liquids are more viscous than thinner liquids. For example, the honey pictured in theFigure2.27 is more viscous
than the vinegar. You can learn more about viscosity at this URL: http://chemed.chem.wisc.edu/chempaths/GenChe
m-Textbook/Viscosity-840.html.
FIGURE 2.27
Q:Which liquid do you think is more viscous: honey or chocolate syrup?
A:The viscosity of honey and chocolate syrup vary by brand and other factors, but chocolate syrup generally is
more viscous than honey.