Karen Edler Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of surface tension?
A
The force per unit length of interface (Nm-1)
The free energy required to create a new surface area (Jm-1)
2
Q
What is the surface energy?
A
The surface tension multiplied by the area
3
Q
When are surface energies important
A
When no other forces operate e.g. Wetting
Microscopic drops or clusters with high surface areas e.g. Colloids
4
Q
What happens to the surface area and surface energy of a system as droplet size decreases?
A
Both increase
5
Q
What is homogenous nucleation
A
Random fluctuations in concentrate generate sufficiently large nucleation
6
Q
What is heterogenous nucleation
A
Condense on pre existing nuclei
