Question Detail

PHY 101 Surface Tension Objective Question
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Question

If a drop of oil is placed on the surface of water, and the oil spreads out as a thin layer, what does this indicate about the relative strengths of cohesive and adhesive forces?
Options
A Cohesive forces between oil molecules are stronger than adhesive forces between oil and water.
B Adhesive forces between oil and water are stronger than cohesive forces between oil molecules.
Correct Answer
C Cohesive and adhesive forces are equal.
D Gravitational forces are dominant.
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

For the oil to spread into a thin layer, it must be more attracted to the water surface (adhesion) than its own molecules are to each other (cohesion). This stronger adhesive force causes it to maximize its contact area with the water.

Hint

Spreading indicates a preference for being in contact with the other substance rather than itself.

Question Info

Course: PHY 101
Topic: Surface Tension
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 733 of 1250
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