Mercury does not wet glass, wood or iron becausea)Cohesive force is le...
Explanation:
When a liquid comes in contact with a solid surface, there are two types of forces that come into play:
1. Cohesive Forces: These are the inter-molecular forces that exist between the molecules of the liquid. They tend to hold the molecules of the liquid together.
2. Adhesive Forces: These are the inter-molecular forces that exist between the molecules of the liquid and the molecules of the solid surface. They tend to hold the liquid molecules to the surface.
In the case of Mercury, the cohesive forces between the Mercury molecules are much stronger than the adhesive forces between the Mercury and the molecules of the solid surface. This makes Mercury form a spherical droplet on the surface of the solid, rather than spreading out and wetting the surface.
To understand this better, let's look at the options given:
a) Cohesive force is less than adhesive force - If this were true, Mercury would wet the surface because the adhesive forces would be stronger than the cohesive forces.
b) Cohesive force is greater than adhesive force - This is the correct option. The cohesive forces between the Mercury molecules are stronger than the adhesive forces between the Mercury and the molecules of the solid surface.
c) Angle of contact is less than 90o - The angle of contact between the Mercury droplet and the solid surface is actually greater than 90o, which is why it forms a spherical shape.
d) Cohesive force is equal to adhesive force - If this were true, the Mercury droplet would still wet the surface, rather than forming a spherical shape.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
Mercury does not wet glass, wood or iron becausea)Cohesive force is le...
There are two kind of forces between atoms/molecules. First is a cohesive force between atoms/ molecules of the same substance. The other is adhesive force between atoms/molecules of different substances. In the case of glass and mercury the cohesive forces between mercury atoms are stronger than adhesive forces between glass molecules and mercury atoms. So the mercury atoms bunch together and do not wet glass or any other substance. The reverse is the case between water molecules and glass molecules.Hence , the mercury does not wet glass,wood or iron.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.