Question Details

The dimensions of surface tension are

Options

A

Nm

B

Nm²

C

Nm⁻¹

D

N-s

Correct Answer :

Nm⁻¹

Solution :

The correct answer is Nm⁻¹.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Definition of Surface Tension:
Surface tension is a property of liquid surfaces that causes them to behave like a stretched elastic membrane. It is quantitatively defined as the force acting per unit length along an imaginary line drawn on the surface of the liquid.

2. Mathematical Formula:
The formula for surface tension is given by:

T=FL

where:
- T is the surface tension,
- F is the force acting along the surface line, and
- L is the length over which the force acts.

3. Determining the Unit:
To find the unit of surface tension, we substitute the standard SI units for force and length into the formula:
- The SI unit of force (F) is the Newton (N).
- The SI unit of length (L) is the meter (m).

Therefore, the SI unit of surface tension is:

Unit of T=Nm=Nm-1

This corresponds to Newton per meter (Nm-1).

4. Note on Dimensions:
Although the question refers to "dimensions," the options provided are in terms of units. To find the actual physical dimensions of surface tension:
- The dimensional formula of force (F) is [MLT-2].
- The dimensional formula of length (L) is [L].

Substituting these dimensions into our formula gives:

[T]=[MLT-2][L]=[MT-2]

which can also be written as [M1L0T-2].

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