Question

which best explains the surface tension of water?
○ capillary action
○ cohesion
○ adhesion
○ sublimation

Explanation:

• Capillary action is the movement of liquid in narrow spaces due to adhesion and cohesion, not the cause of surface tension.
• Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance. Water molecules have strong cohesive forces (due to hydrogen bonding) that pull them together, creating surface tension (the "skin" on water's surface).
• Adhesion is attraction between different substances, which is involved in capillary action but not surface tension.
• Sublimation is the transition from solid to gas, unrelated to surface tension.

Answer:

B. cohesion