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Surface tension is the phenomenon that causes dew to form droplets on cars, and paper clips to float when they should
sink. This phenomenon arises from the molecular nature of surfaces.
The cohesive forces between molecules down into a liquid are shared with all neighboring atoms. Those on
the surface have no neighboring atoms above, and exhibit stronger attractive forces upon their nearest neighbors on the surface.
This enhancement of the intermolecular attractive forces at the surface is called surface tension.
Surface tension: γ=dW/dA definition. W (work) A(area)
Surface tension units: mN/m or dynes/cm
Curved liquid surfaces (Laplace Eq)
P= γ*(1/R1+1/R2) Where P is the Laplace pressure, R1 and R2 are the two principal radii of curvature.
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