What causes the surface tension of water?

Water molecules are dipolar - they have both positively charged and negatively charged regions due to differences in the electronegativity of atoms (this is how strongly they attract electrons). This property enables intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the slightly positive hydrogen and slightly negative oxygen atom of adjacent molecules. The bonds are weak, but have a strong combined effect as there are so many. The attraction of water molecules to each other is called cohesion and results in surface tension because molecules at the surface tend to 'stick' to neighbouring molecules, providing resistance to pressure from outside the body of water.

Answered by Hannah C. Biology tutor

2474 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

A neuron transmits an electrical impulse across a synapse in order to pass this impulse to the next neuron. Outline this process.


I feel like I understand the concept, why I am I still not getting full marks on the question?


Explain the mechanism by which DNA is replicated


Explain how a change in the primary structure may result in a non functional enzyme


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences