What is the Difference Between Cohesion and Surface Tension?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between cohesion and surface tension lies in the forces they describe and the phenomena they cause. Here is a summary of their differences:
- Cohesion: Cohesive forces are attractive forces between molecules of the same type. These forces cause the molecules to aggregate, forming a continuous substance. Cohesion is responsible for the formation of droplets, bubbles, and other structures in liquids.
- Surface Tension: Surface tension is a property of liquids that arises due to cohesive forces between identical liquid molecules. It is the elasticity of the surface of a liquid, causing the surface to contract to the smallest possible area. This phenomenon is observed when droplets of water or other liquids form on a surface, creating a "surface film" that makes it difficult for objects to penetrate the liquid.
In summary, cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, while surface tension is a result of cohesive forces at the surface of a liquid, causing it to contract and exhibit elastic properties.
Comparative Table: Cohesion vs Surface Tension
Cohesion and surface tension are related phenomena in liquids, but they differ in their specific aspects. Here is a table highlighting the differences between cohesion and surface tension:
Feature | Cohesion | Surface Tension |
---|---|---|
Definition | Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance. | Surface tension is the result of cohesive forces at the surface of a liquid, causing the surface to contract to the smallest possible area. |
Cause | Cohesive forces, which can be hydrogen bonding in the case of water. | Molecules on the surface are pulled inward by cohesive forces, reducing the surface area. |
Effect on Liquids | Cohesive forces hold liquid molecules together, making it difficult to separate them. | Surface tension causes the tendency of a liquid's surface to resist rupture when placed under stress. |
Examples | Water droplets, meniscus formation in capillaries. | Water droplets on a smooth surface, dew drops on a spider web. |
In summary, cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, while surface tension is a result of cohesive forces at the surface of a liquid, causing the surface to contract to the smallest possible area.
- Surface Tension vs Interfacial Tension
- Surface Tension vs Viscosity
- Surface Tension vs Surface Energy
- Surface Tension vs Capillary Action
- Adhesion vs Cohesion
- Coupling vs Cohesion
- Adhesive vs Cohesive Forces
- Cohesion vs Coherence
- Surface Water vs Ground Water
- Friction vs Viscosity
- Rheology vs Viscosity
- Hydrogen Bond vs Covalent Bond
- Tensile Strength vs Yield Strength
- Friction vs Shear
- Hydrophobic vs Superhydrophobic
- Turgor Pressure vs Wall Pressure
- Dipole Dipole Interactions vs Hydrogen Bonding
- Liquid vs Solid
- Area vs Surface Area