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Chapter 10: Problem 41

The shape of the meniscus of water in a glass tube is different from that of mercury in a glass tube. Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The difference in the shapes of the meniscus of water and mercury in a glass tube is due to the variation in cohesive and adhesive forces acting at the liquid-glass interface. Water forms a concave meniscus because its adhesive forces with glass are stronger than its cohesive forces, causing water molecules to be more attracted to the glass than to each other. On the other hand, mercury forms a convex meniscus due to its stronger cohesive forces compared to its adhesive forces with glass, making mercury molecules more attracted to each other than to the glass surface.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding cohesive and adhesive forces

Cohesive forces are the forces of attraction between molecules of the same substance. In the case of liquids, it is the intermolecular forces holding the liquid together. Adhesive forces, on the other hand, are the forces of attraction between molecules of different substances, such as the liquid and the solid surface with which it is in contact.
02

Meniscus of water in a glass tube

In the case of water and glass, the adhesive forces between water molecules and glass molecules are stronger than the cohesive forces between water molecules. This means that water molecules are attracted more to the glass surface than to each other. As a result, the water molecules in contact with the glass tube are pulled upwards, creating a concave meniscus (curving upwards at the edges).
03

Meniscus of mercury in a glass tube

Mercury has stronger cohesive forces compared to its adhesive forces with glass. This means that mercury molecules are more attracted to each other than to the glass molecules. As a result, mercury tends to minimize its contact with the glass surface, leading to a convex meniscus (curving downwards at the edges).
04

Comparison between water and mercury meniscus

The difference in the shapes of the meniscus of water and mercury in a glass tube arises due to the variation in the cohesive and adhesive forces acting at the liquid-glass interface. Water has a concave meniscus because its adhesive forces with glass are stronger than its cohesive forces, while mercury has a convex meniscus due to its stronger cohesive forces compared to its adhesive forces with glass.

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