Question

Which of the following liquid substances would you expect to have the lowest surface tension?
a. Pb
b. CH3OCH3
c. HOCH2CH2OH
d. H2O
e. CH3CH2OH

And why? What intermolecular forces are present in each?

Answer 1

H2O

Answer 2

how did you come up with that?

Answer 3

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_tension#Data_table

Answer 4

it is supposed to be the LOWEST, not highest

Answer 5

you can check a more complete table at CRC Handbook online. This is the reference for physics and chemistry

http://www.hbcpnetbase.com/
see attachment

Answer 6

how would i figure it out on a quiz or something? i wont have the luxury of using the Internet

Answer 7

According to what I've read, the two concepts are directly related: The greater the intermolecular forces, the higher the surface tension. Three of those compounds form hydrogen bonds. we have one metal, and an ether. so clearly I'd say that three of the choices could be eliminated.

Answer 8

YOU said lowest surface tension so find which one has the lowest IMF.

Answer 9

Pb is the metal..... c, d, and e all form hydrogen bonds... so the answer is b?

Answer 10

Ethanol 21.97 mN/m
Ethyl Ether 16.5 mN/m
Ethylene glycol 47.99 mN/m
water 71.99 mN/m

Answer 11

I wont have that chart though

Answer 12

If you can figure out the intermolecular forces I guess @Proton336 answer will be of more help than the table. I am a somewhat forgotten about the general properties that define surface tension