1. What is Surface Tension of Liquid Methane?

Definition: Surface Tension of Liquid Methane is the energy, or work, required to increase the surface area of liquid methane due to intermolecular forces.

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the surface tension of liquid methane at various temperatures, which is important in cryogenic and chemical engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \gamma_{CH_4} \) — Surface tension of liquid methane (N/m)
• \( T \) — Temperature (K)
• 190.55 — Critical temperature of methane (K)

Explanation: The formula calculates how surface tension decreases as temperature approaches the critical temperature of methane.

3. Importance of Surface Tension Calculation

Details: Surface tension affects fluid behavior in containers, capillary action, and phase interfaces. Accurate calculation is crucial for designing methane storage and transport systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the temperature in Kelvin (must be between 0K and 190.54K). The calculator will return the surface tension in Newtons per meter (N/m).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does surface tension decrease with temperature?
A: As temperature increases, molecular kinetic energy increases, weakening the intermolecular forces that create surface tension.

Q2: What is the maximum temperature I can enter?
A: The formula is valid up to 190.54K (just below methane's critical temperature of 190.55K).

Q3: What are typical surface tension values for liquid methane?
A: At boiling point (111.66K), surface tension is about 18.3 mN/m. It decreases as temperature increases.

Q4: How accurate is this formula?
A: The formula provides good estimates but actual values may vary slightly depending on purity and pressure conditions.

Q5: What units does the calculator use?
A: Temperature input is in Kelvin (K) and output is in Newtons per meter (N/m).