Surface Tension Calculator
Calculate the surface tension of a liquid using the capillary rise method.
Calculation Parameters
Adjust the values below.
Calculated Result
Surface Tension (γ)
Expert Tip
Ensure units are correctly formatted (e.g. Kelvin for gas temperatures and liters for volumes) to get chemically accurate outputs.
How this Calculator Works
This calculator allows you to solve Surface Tension problems dynamically. Adjust the input parameters using the sliders or selection menu below:
- Liquid Density (ρ, g/cm³) (Range: 0.5 to 3.0, Default: 1.0)
- Capillary Rise Height (h, mm) (Range: 0.1 to 50.0, Default: 14.7)
- Capillary Tube Radius (r, mm) (Range: 0.1 to 2.0, Default: 0.5)
The results are computed instantly and updated in the results panel on the right.
Formula & Methodology
Where:
- Liquid Density: Parameter value.
- Capillary Rise Height: Parameter value.
- Capillary Tube Radius: Parameter value.
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
To calculate Surface Tension manually, follow these steps:
- Identify the input parameters. For example:
- Liquid Density (ρ, g/cm³) = 1.0
- Capillary Rise Height (h, mm) = 14.7
- Capillary Tube Radius (r, mm) = 0.5
- Apply the formula:
γ = (ρ * g * h * r) / 2
- Verify the calculated value which is updated instantly in the results panel on the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is surface tension? ▼
Surface tension is cohesive energy per unit area (J/m² or N/m) present at a liquid-gas interface.
What is the capillary rise formula for surface tension? ▼
γ = (h × r × ρ × g) / (2 × cos(θ)), where h is liquid column height, r is capillary radius, ρ is density, and θ is contact angle.
How do surfactants lower water surface tension? ▼
Surfactants adsorb at the air-water interface, disrupting strong water hydrogen bonding networks and lowering surface tension.