The dimensions of surface tension are
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:
where:
- is the surface tension,
- is the force acting along the surface line, and
- 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 () is the Newton ().
- The SI unit of length () is the meter ().
Therefore, the SI unit of surface tension is:
This corresponds to Newton per meter ().
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 () is .
- The dimensional formula of length () is .
Substituting these dimensions into our formula gives:
which can also be written as .
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