The origin of the surface tension of water at the water-air interface is
A) Air pressure pushing on the water surface
B) Water molecules attracting other water molecules more than the air attracts them
C) W ater in the bulk phase being at a higher energy than water at the surface
D) Attractive forces of air molecules that tend to exclude the water
E) The hydrophilic nature of air molecules

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water molecules exhibit strong cohesive forces due to hydrogen bonding, leading to a net inward force at the surface, which is perceived as surface tension. This is because water molecules attract each other more strongly than they attract air molecules.

The Origin of the Surface Tension of Water at the Water-Air