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Chapter 11: Problem 11

A small drop of water assumes an almost spherical form on a Teflon surface. Explain why.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A droplet of water forms an almost spherical shape on a Teflon surface because the water molecules are attracted to each other rather than the Teflon surface due to its water-resistant characteristics. As a result, the surface tension of the water forces it into the smallest possible shape, which is nearly a perfect sphere.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Shape of Liquids

Firstly, one needs to understand why liquids like water can form shapes. It's because the molecules of a liquid attract each other, creating a kind of 'tension' on the surface. This tension tries to minimize the area of the surface which is only possible for the sphere shape, as it has the minimum area for a given volume.
02

Recognizing the Characteristics of Teflon

Teflon is characterized by its non-stick and water-repellent properties. When water comes into contact with Teflon, there's a resistance or inability for the water to 'stick' to the Teflon surface due to these inherent characteristics of Teflon.
03

Connecting the Characteristics of Water and Teflon

When water is put on a Teflon surface, the water molecules are attracted to each other, not the Teflon. This attraction forces the water to stay together in the smallest possible area, creating a nearly perfect sphere, due to aforementioned properties of liquid.

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