Question:medium

Surface tension of liquids is:

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Surface tension always originates from intermolecular cohesive forces, which are electromagnetic in nature.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • An electromagnetic force
  • A weak nuclear force
  • A viscous force
  • A magnetic force
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Molecular basis of surface tension.
Surface tension stems from cohesive intermolecular attractions within the liquid.

Step 2: Fundamental force type.

These cohesive forces arise from electromagnetic interactions between charged particles (electrons and nuclei).

Step 3: Excluding other forces.

Weak nuclear forces act on subatomic scales; viscous forces resist flow; magnetic forces are not the primary cohesive agent.

Step 4: Physical interpretation.

Surface tension is a macroscopic manifestation of electromagnetic molecular cohesion.

Step 5: Conclusion.

Hence, surface tension is fundamentally an electromagnetic force.
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