1. What is Surface Tension?

Surface Tension of Fluid is the energy or work required to increase the surface area of a fluid due to intermolecular forces. It's a fundamental property that affects capillary action, droplet formation, and various fluid behaviors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the surface tension formula:

Where:

• \( \gamma \) — Surface Tension of Fluid (N/m)
• \( R \) — Radius of Tubing (m)
• \( \rho_{fluid} \) — Density of Fluid (kg/m³)
• \( [g] \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²)
• \( h_c \) — Height of Capillary Rise/Fall (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates surface tension based on capillary action principles, where fluid rises or falls in narrow tubes due to surface tension forces.

3. Importance of Surface Tension Calculation

Details: Surface tension calculations are crucial in fluid mechanics, chemical engineering, and materials science. They help understand capillary action, wetting phenomena, and fluid behavior in confined spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter radius in meters, density in kg/m³, and capillary height in meters. All values must be positive and valid for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect surface tension?
A: Surface tension is affected by temperature, fluid composition, and the presence of surfactants or impurities.

Q2: How does temperature influence surface tension?
A: Surface tension generally decreases with increasing temperature as molecular kinetic energy increases.

Q3: What are typical surface tension values for common fluids?
A: Water at 20°C has about 0.072 N/m, mercury about 0.465 N/m, and ethanol about 0.022 N/m.

Q4: Why is capillary height important in this calculation?
A: Capillary height directly relates to the balance between surface tension forces and gravitational forces.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all fluids?
A: This formula works well for Newtonian fluids with known density and where capillary action is observable.