Usually force of surface tension acts downwards , but in this problem , the direction is given upwards in my textbook. Am I missing a concept here , or the book is wrong? Please do help.
Asked
Active
Viewed 97 times
0
-
When does surface tension normally act downwards? How do you think water striders stay on the water's surface? – BioPhysicist Jan 17 '20 at 17:01
-
Surface tension is the force which holds up the oil drop. If it didn't point upwards, the oil drop would sink. – Steeven Jan 17 '20 at 17:31
-
Yes , it does . Thank you very much sir. – Pratham Choudhary Jan 18 '20 at 04:39
1 Answers
0
Surface tension is parallel to the surface. But if you add up all the surface tension forces on the drop, the drop is being supported against gravity. That is, the net force due to surface tension on the drop is upward.
S. McGrew
- 24,774