Applications of surface tension

Applications of surface tension

• Mosquitoes lay their eggs on the surface of water. To reduce the surface tension of water, a small amount of oil is poured. This breaks the elastic film of water surface and eggs are killed by drowning.

• Chemical engineers must finely adjust the surface tension of the liquid, so it forms droplets of designed size and so it adheres to the surface without smearing. This is used in desktop printing, to paint automobiles and decorative items.

• Specks of dirt get removed when detergents are added to hot water while washing clothes because surface tension is reduced.

• A fabric can be made waterproof, by adding suitable waterproof material (wax) to the fabric. This increases the angle of contact.