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Surface tension of water

Surface tension is the tendency of liquid surfaces at rest to shrink into

minimum surface area possible.

For the definite mass of a substance, surface area is minimum for

spherical shape. That is why liquid droplets assume spherical shape.

Molecules of liquid attract each other. The number of molecules in
vapour form just above the surface of water is less than those on the

surface. Hence the attraction towards the sides and the interior will

be greater. Consequently, the liquid surface behaves like a stretched

membrane. This behaviour causes surface tension.