Surface tension vs. adhesion: Why does water spread on clean glass but mercury remains nearly spherical? Explain using cohesion (liquid–liquid) and adhesion (liquid–solid) along with surface tension.

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Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

ConceptA liquid spreads when adhesion to the surface exceeds cohesion; it beads up when cohesion dominates or surface tension is very high. ApplicationWater–glass: strong adhesion ⇒ wetting/spreading. Mercury: very high surface tension and strong cohesion with weak adhesion to glass ⇒ spherical drops (non-wetting). Final AnswerBecause water adheres strongly to glass (adhesion > cohesion), while mercury's cohesion > adhesion to glass

Surface tension vs. adhesion: Why does water spread on clean glass but mercury remains nearly spherical? Explain using cohesion (liquid–liquid) and adhesion (liquid–solid) along with surface tension.

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