The surface tension of pure water will increase

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Surface tension of pure water is caused by the cohesive forces between water molecules. When salt is added, it disrupts the cohesive forces by forming ion-dipole bonds with water molecules, leading to a decrease in surface tension. Similarly, when temperature decreases, the kinetic energy of water molecules decreases, leading to stronger cohesive forces and an increase in surface tension. Therefore, both adding salt and decreasing temperature can lead to a decrease in surface tension. Therefore, option E is the correct choice as it mentions both adding salt and decreasing temperature as factors that can decrease surface tension. The other options are incorrect as pressure has no significant effect on surface tension and only option E accounts for the effects of both adding salt and decreasing temperature.

The Surface Tension of Pure Water Will Increase