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Lab 3, 4

The document outlines an experiment to calculate the surface tension of water using the capillary tube method, detailing the apparatus, theory, and method of work. It explains the principles of surface tension and provides a formula for calculations involving the radius of the capillary tube, height of water, and surface tension. Additionally, it includes discussion questions related to the experiment's findings and implications.

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krimzonking782
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21 views3 pages

Lab 3, 4

The document outlines an experiment to calculate the surface tension of water using the capillary tube method, detailing the apparatus, theory, and method of work. It explains the principles of surface tension and provides a formula for calculations involving the radius of the capillary tube, height of water, and surface tension. Additionally, it includes discussion questions related to the experiment's findings and implications.

Uploaded by

krimzonking782
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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The surface tension

The Purpose of Experiment:

To calculate the surface tension of water by the capillary tube method.

Apparatus used:

1. Capillary tubes.
2. Traveling microscope or glass scale.
3. Beaker.
4. Stand and clamp.
5. Thermometer.

Theory of Experiment:

*Surface tension is a property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an


external force.

*The liquid molecules at the surface are

affected by the forces of cohesion with the liquid molecules from the lower
side.

and affected by the forces of adhesion with the air molecules from the upper
side. As figure.

*Since the density of the liquid is greater than the density of air

(1) The result of the surface tension forces are in the direction of the cohesion forces
with the liquid molecules from the lower side,

(2) which leads to the contraction of the surface of the liquid to occupy the smallest
possible area.
The Method of Work:

1. Clean the capillary tube by distilled water and pull the liquid up this capillary
tube
2. Immerse the lower end of the capillary tube vertically in the beaker containing
the water.
3. Measure the height (h) to which the water level rises in the capillary tube
above the level of the water in the beaker.
4. Measure the internal diameter of the capillary tube by using a traveling
microscope.
5. Repeat all the measurement with the other capillary tubes.
6. Record the temperature of water, because the surface tension changes with
change in temperature.
Calculations:

1. Tabulate the recorded reading as shown in the table below:


Radius of capillary tube, Height of water Surface tension of water
r (mm)*10−3 ℎ (mm)*10−3 1
𝛾 = 𝜌𝑔𝑟ℎ
2
Tube1
Tube2
Tube3
Mean=………..N/m
At ………….℃

Note: Surface tension relationship is


1
𝛾= 𝜌𝑔𝑟ℎ
2
Where
𝛾: is the surface tension ( N/m).
𝜌: the density of water in (kg/𝑚3 ).
𝑔: the gravitational acceleration =9.8(m/𝑠 2 ).

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the reason for the rise of water in the capillary tubes? And if the water is
replaced by mercury, what happens? Why?
2. What is effect each of: length of capillary tube and temperature on surface
tension?
3. What is the relation between radius of capillary tube and height of liquid?
4. What is the application of surface tension in medicin?

Reference

E. Armitage, “Practical Physics in S.I. Paperback”, John Murray; 2nd edition (1990).

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