Water takes the shape of the container in which it is kept. Write char...
This happens due to the medium force of attrection between the particle bond of water .That's all
Water takes the shape of the container in which it is kept. Write char...
**Characteristics Responsible for Water Taking the Shape of the Container**
Water is a unique substance that exhibits several distinct characteristics, one of which is its ability to take the shape of the container in which it is kept. This property is mainly attributed to three fundamental characteristics of water: cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. Let's explore each of these characteristics in detail:
**1. Cohesion:**
Cohesion refers to the intermolecular attraction between water molecules. Water molecules are polar, having a slightly positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a slightly negative charge on the oxygen atom. These polar molecules tend to stick together due to the attractive forces between the positive and negative charges. Cohesion allows water to form droplets and maintain its liquid state.
**2. Adhesion:**
Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances. Water molecules have the ability to adhere to various surfaces, such as glass, plastic, or any solid material that is not water-repellent. This adhesive property arises from the polar nature of water molecules. When water comes into contact with a solid surface, the water molecules adhere to the surface due to the attractive forces between the polar molecules and the surface molecules.
**3. Surface Tension:**
Surface tension is the cohesive force that exists at the surface of a liquid, such as water. It is caused by the imbalance of forces acting on the water molecules at the surface compared to the ones within the liquid. The water molecules in the bulk of the liquid are attracted equally in all directions, while the molecules at the surface experience a net inward force. This force causes the surface of the water to behave like a stretched elastic film, allowing it to resist external forces and maintain its shape.
**How these characteristics allow water to take the shape of the container:**
The combination of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension enables water to take the shape of the container it is placed in. When water is poured into a container, such as a glass or a bowl, the adhesive forces between the water molecules and the container's surface cause the water to adhere to the walls. Additionally, the cohesive forces between the water molecules keep them together, forming a continuous body of water.
The surface tension of water helps to maintain the shape of the water surface. It allows the water to form a slightly curved meniscus at the edges of the container. The surface tension acts like an invisible "skin" on the water's surface, preventing it from spilling over the container's edges.
In conclusion, the cohesive and adhesive properties of water, along with its surface tension, work together to allow water to take the shape of the container it is placed in. These characteristics are a result of the polar nature of water molecules and the intermolecular forces between them and other substances.
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