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How to Calculate the Surface Tension of Liquids

All liquids contain molecules that can flow around each other. This movement of molecules is not completely unrestricted, as the molecules of most liquids have electrochemical properties, causing them to attract each other. The attracting forces cause cohesion among the molecules, which results in what we call surface tension.

Celsius thermometer

Instructions

- 1
  Record the temperature of your water in degrees Celsius. Write your answer down, for example water with a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.
- 2
  Write down the equation for the surface tension of water vs the water's temperature.
  
  Surface Tension = - 0.00017 * Temperature + 0.0761
  
  Note the negative sign (-) before the value 0.00017.
- 3
  Add your water's temperature to the equation to calculate the surface tension.
  
  Surface Tension = - 0.00017 * 35 degrees Celsius + 0.0761 = 0.0701 N/m, newton per meter.

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