Surface Tension Lab

SURFACE TENSION LAB
What is surface tension? What are some factors that affect the surface tension of a liquid?
 Glass that can hold at least 400 mL of water  Dropper

 Plastic disposable/microwaveable container  1 peso coin
 Dishwashing liquid solution  25 centavo coin
 Paperclips, unused, 1 small and 1 large  Ground pepper
 Staple, unused  Tap water (room temperature and hot)
 Forceps  Distilled water
All liquids have a specific surface tension under standard conditions. Surface tension exists due to the
attractive (cohesive) forces between molecules. In water, these intermolecular forces are created by the
polar nature of the water molecules. Inside a sample of water there are attractive forces acting in all
directions with neighboring molecules. At the surface, the molecules are attracted inward creating a
tension on the surface. Because of this, even objects that are more dense than water can appear to float,
when in reality it is the force of surface tension that is keeping them from sinking.
Many factors affect the surface tension of a liquid. In this investigation, you will investigate how the
presence of surfactants such as soaps and detergents, changes in temperature, and the physical
properties of a particle affect the surface tension of water.
Follow regular safety procedures.
Part 1 – Demonstrating surface tension

1. Clean and dry a 1-peso coin to remove oils and detergents. Place the coin on a
flat surface.
2. Begin slowly adding drops of water to the coin. Count every drop. Leave a gap
between the drop coming out of the dropper and the water bead on the penny as
shown so you do not accidentally draw water back into the dropper.
1
3. Count and record the number of drops that fit on the coin before the water spills over in Table 1
on your answer sheet. Describe your observations of the water on the coin just before the water spills
over.
Complete the analysis for Part 1 on your answer sheet.
Answer the questions for Part 1 on your answer sheet.
Part 2 – Surface tension supports weight

1. Use the glass jar to fill a clean plastic conatiner with about 400 mL of room temperature tap
water. Refill the glass with another 400 mL of hot water, but not too hot to touch, to be used in Part
4.
2. Clean and dry the small paperclip to remove oils and detergents. Carefully place the small
paperclip flat on the surface of the water, making it float. An easy way to float the paper clip is to
position it horizontally between forceps or between your thumb and index finger. Gently release the
paper clip as it first touches the surface of the water. Record your observations in Table 2 on your
answer sheet.
3. Clean and dry the large paper clip, the staple, and the 25-centavo coin. Try to float each object
one at a time. Record your observations in Table 2.
Part 3 – Surfactants
1. Clean and dry either the small or large paperclip to remove oils and detergents. Float the
paperclip on the surface of the water so it is supported by surface tension.
4. Carefully add a drop of dishwashing soap solution to the water. Do not touch the dropper
directly to the water, and do not drop the soap directly on the paperclip.
5. If nothing happened, add more drops until you see a change. Record your observations and the
number of drops required to cause the change in Table 3 on your answer sheet.
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SURFACE TENSION LAB
Part 4 – Temperature and surface tension

6. Carefully check the water temperature inside the glass jar. The water should be hot, but not too
hot to touch.
7. Empty the contents of the plastic container and rinse it thoroughly. Clean and dry the large and
small paperclips to remove oils and detergents.
8. Pour the hot water into the bin. Try to float the small and large paperclips on the hot water one
at a time. Record your observations in Table 4 on your answer sheet.
Part 5 – Surface tension and small particles

1. Empty the contents of the plastic container and rinse it thoroughly with tap water.
9. Fill the container with 400 mL of tap water.
10. Sprinkle 2-3 pinches of ground pepper evenly above the surface of the water. Record your
observations in Table 5 on your answer sheet.
11. Carefully add a drop of dishwashing soap solution to the water. Do not allow the dropper to
directly touch the water. Record your observations.
12. Empty the contents of the bin. Rinse and dry the plastic container.

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 Glass that can hold at least 400 mL of water  Dropper

Follow regular safety procedures.

Part 1 – Demonstrating surface tension

Complete the analysis for Part 1 on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions for Part 1 on your answer sheet.

Part 2 – Surface tension supports weight

Complete the analysis for Part 2 on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions for Part 2 on your answer sheet.

Complete the analysis for Part 3 on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions for Part 3 on your answer sheet.

Part 4 – Temperature and surface tension

Complete the analysis for Part 4 on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions for Part 4 on your answer sheet.

Part 5 – Surface tension and small particles

9. Fill the container with 400 mL of tap water.

Complete the analysis for Part 5 on your answer sheet.

Answer the questions for Part 5 on your answer sheet.

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