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Surface Tension Water

The document describes a method for determining the surface tension of water using the capillary rise method, where water rises in a capillary tube due to surface tension. It outlines the theoretical background, apparatus needed, and the procedure for measuring the height of water in the tube to calculate surface tension. Experimental data is also presented, along with precautions to ensure accurate results.

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9 views3 pages

Surface Tension Water

The document describes a method for determining the surface tension of water using the capillary rise method, where water rises in a capillary tube due to surface tension. It outlines the theoretical background, apparatus needed, and the procedure for measuring the height of water in the tube to calculate surface tension. Experimental data is also presented, along with precautions to ensure accurate results.

Uploaded by

shuraiya.ria24
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Determination of the surface tension of water

by capillary rise method

Fig. 1. Rise of water in a capillary tube.

Theory
If an imaginary line is considered on the surface of a liquid, the force per unit length acting
perpendicular to it and tangential to the surface is defined as the surface tension of the
liquid. When a capillary glass tube of uniform circular cross section stands vertically in
water, water rises in the tube to a certain height ℎ above the free surface of water.

The surface tension 𝑇 acts upwards tangential to the meniscus. The component of 𝑇
acting vertically upwards is 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. Therefore, the total force acting upwards is 2𝜋𝑟𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃.
Here 𝑟 is the internal radius of the capillary tube. This upward force balances the weight
1
of the water column. Since the volume of this column is 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ + 3 𝜋𝑟 3 , its weight is
1
𝜋𝑟 2 (ℎ + 3 𝑟) 𝜌𝑔 , where ρ is the density of water at room temperature and g the
acceleration due to gravity.

For equilibrium
1
2𝜋𝑟𝑇 cos 𝜃 = 𝜋𝑟 2 (ℎ + 3 𝑟) 𝜌𝑔 (1)

Since θ is zero for water cos 𝜃 = 1. So from Eq. (1) the surface tension of water in a
capillary tube is given by

1
1 𝑟 1
𝑇 = 2 𝑟𝜌𝑔 (ℎ + 3) = 2 𝑟𝜌𝑔ℎ′ (2)

Eq. 2 can also be written as


2𝑇 1
ℎ′ = 𝜌𝑔 (2)
𝑟

1
Thus, if ℎ′ is plotted against 𝑟 , the graph will be straight line passing through the origin.

Apparatus

Glass capillary tubes, travelling microscope, beaker, stand and clamp.

Procedure

1. The internal diameter of the tubes was measured using the travelling microscope.
2. The capillary tubes and beaker were cleaned. The capillary tubes was set on a wooden
clamp by means of rubber holders. Then the tubes were dipped vertically in water
(Figure.1). The beaker was then refilled to overflowing with water.
3. The reading was taken with the microscope at the water level in the beaker and then
at the lower portion of the meniscus of the water column in the tubes.
1
4. A ℎ′ vs 𝑟 graph was plotted (Fig. 2). The surface tension was calculated using eq. (2)
from a point on the graph.

Experimental Data
Table 1: Radii of the tubes

Microscope readings in mm at Dia- Mean 1


𝑟
Tube Direction End I End II meter D (cm-1)
no. of obs. M.S.R V.S.R Total M.S.R V.S.R Total D (cm)
(cm)
Horizontal
1
Vertical
Horizontal
2
Vertical
Horizontal
2
Vertical

2
Table 2: Height of water columns

No Microscope readings in mm at Tube Microscope readings in 𝑟


of water level no. mm at meniscus of water Height ℎ′ = ℎ + 3
obs h (cm) (cm)
M.S.R V.S.R Total Mean M.S.R V.S.R Total
.
1 1
2 2
3 3

Room temperature = ………………ºC

Density of water at ………ºC = ………………..gm/cc

Result
Surface tension of water, T = ……………………..dyne/cm at …………...ºC.

Precautions
1. Any trace of grease inside the tubes or some impurity in the water may cause a large
variation in the surface tension. Therefore, it was ensured that the capillary tube was
clean. Care was also taken to avoid touching the water.
2. Radii of the tubes were measured very carefully.
3. The tubes were dipped and then drawn from the water to ensure that the inner surface
of the tube is wetted properly and water rises correctly.
4. The tubes were kept as vertical as possible.
5. Water surface readings were taken away from the tubes and also away from the edge
of the beaker.

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