Surfactant is necessary to prevent collapse of the alveoli in the lung because in its absence, water molecules
A) vaporize and take up much less space.
B) are more strongly attracted to each other by van der Waals forces.
C) are more strongly attracted to each other by cohesive forces.
D) congregate around nearby proteins to which they adhere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli by disrupting the cohesive forces between water molecules, preventing alveolar collapse.

Surfactant Is Necessary to Prevent Collapse of the Alveoli in the Lung