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Chapter 11: Problem 25

A glass can be filled slightly above the rim with water. Explain why the water does not overflow.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The water does not overflow when a glass is filled slightly above the rim due to the surface tension of the water. The surface tension creates a 'skin' on the surface of the water, which is capable of withstanding the pressure of the small amount of extra water above the rim, as long as the force exerted by the extra water does not exceed the maximum pressure the 'skin' can withstand.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Surface Tension

First, it's important to understand the concept of surface tension. Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force. The property is due to the cohesion of the molecules of the liquid, which pulls the surface molecules into the body of the liquid, thus creating a sort of 'skin' on the water.
02

Relate Surface Tension to Phenomenon

The surface tension of the water forms a sort of 'skin' due to the cohesive forces between the water molecules. This 'skin' is able to withstand the pressure of the extra water slightly above the rim of the glass, as long as the upward force of the extra water does not exceed the maximum pressure the 'skin' (surface tension) can withstand.
03

Conclusion of Phenomenon

So, even though a glass is filled slightly above the rim, the water does not overflow due to the surface tension of the water. The 'skin' created by the surface tension is able to hold the extra water until the amount of water or force of the liquid exceeds the surface tension. Once that happens, the water will overflow.

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