Question

Choose the substance with the lowest surface tension. Choose the substance with the lowest surface tension. a) H2O b) (CH3)2CO c) CH3CH2CH2CH3 d) C6H6 e) CH3OH

Answer 1

Answer:

c) CH3CH2CH2CH3

Explanation:

Surface tension; The molecules inside the liquid attract the surface molecules and try to draw the them and make the liquid to assume in the shape having the least surface area. The suface tension increase with increase in intermolecular forces of surface liquid.

CH3CH2CH2CH3 is non-polar and have weak intermolecular forces such as London-dispersion forces.

(CH3)2CO, H2O and  CH3OH are polar and have strong intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding.

C6H6 have high molecular mass, so will have stronger intermolecular forces.