You might have observed that when a drop falls on the surface of the cloth it does not wets the cloth, this is just because of the surface tension of water. It’s quite a cunning chemical, and it works in a really interesting way. A drop of liquid; 2. Surface tension is the tensile force acting on either side of any imaginary line projected on the surface of a liquid..it can be also defined by energy per unit area. 3. We can take numerous examples where surface tension plays a significant role. For example, in the normal hydrocarbon series, a rise in temperature leads to a decrease in the surface tension, but an increase in molecular weight increases the surface tension. Surface tension depends mainly upon the forces of attraction between the particles within the given liquid and also upon the gas, solid, or liquid in contact with it.The molecules in a drop of water, for example, attract each other weakly. The intermolecular cohesive forces are responsible for this property. Clinical test for jaundice; 5. ∴ Force due to surface tension is0.0143 N. Example – 10: A square glass plate 10 cm long and 1 mm in thickness is suspended vertically with the lower edge horizontal from one arm of a balance and counterpoised so that the beam is horizontal. Many of us are also familiar with the trick of a floating needle or a paper clip on water. Surface tension is the only reason due to which the water comes down as rain in a spherical shape. It never works. In these tubes, two markings are given. The effect of gravity distorts this ideal sphere into the shape we see. Water Striders; 6. Examples where surface tension manifests itself as force 2) Capillary adhesion 3) Objects on water F 1) Slider F dx =2 γldx end view of the leg W F F 1 2 (F1+F2)cosθ θ F1=F2=γl. Moreover, surface tension is an extrinsic property of a liquid. Everyday Surface Tension. Top Tag’s. So the mercury droplet makes this type of shape as shown in the diagram. Examples of Surface Tension . We can find numerous examples where surface tension plays a role. Force of Surface Tension … Bile salts pass through the bile into the small intestine and serve as detergents to emulsify fat. Legs of insects are formed to distribute their weight, causing the surface of the liquid to become depressed, minimizing the potential energy to create a balance of forces so that the spider car move across the surface of the water without breaking through the surface. If sulfur particles remain on the surface of urine, bile salts are absent. It is easy to see that the drop seems to have a “skin” holding it into a sort of sphere. Surface tension is also defined as the tensile forces acting on the surface of a liquid in contact with a gas or on the surface between two immiscible liquids such that the contact surface behaves like a membrane under tension. So let’s understand this definition in detail by an example. So take a liquid in a beaker containing mercury. For example, if we add soap to the water, it is surface tension decreases, thereby the liquid with soap easily mixes with dirt on hand and thus cleans it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Surface tension is a physical phenomenon that we observe in our daily life. The lowest energy state for this drop occurs when the maximum number of water molecules are surrounded by other water molecules, meaning that the drop should have the minimum possible surface area, which is a sphere. However, few snakes do inject their venom, the rattlesnake being a well-known example. In washing, the “greasy” end of the soap molecule attaches itself to the grease on dirt, letting water flow underneath. This happens because adhesive force between the liquid molecule and that impurity molecule is less than cohesive force among liquid molecules and, because of a weaker intermolecular force of attraction among the molecules of solvent and solute, surface tension decreases. It is because the ethanol’s surface tension is very low as compared to that of the water. To understand this please refer to the below-given diagram. Due to the increase in energy, the molecules of water start moving spontaneously when heated. | Its Type and Importance. 78 sentence examples: 1. Several effects of surface tension can be seen with ordinary water: By visualizing the bubble as two hemispheres, the relationship can be accomplished by noticing that the internal pressure that tends to force the hemispheres apart is counteracted by the surface tension that works around the circumference of the circle. Washing with hot water; 4. 2002]. The molecules that are present in a water droplet does attract themselves but with only a little bit of force. surface-tension. Effect of temperature on surface tension. Force of Surface Tension … Table 5.7. There are three methods by which the surface tension can be measured. To measure the relative surface tension you can use the following formula. California Science Content Standards: • 2. Cohesive Force in Physics | Definition, Examples – Surface Tension. So to study the angle of contact in case of mercury and glass. 88 examples: We will consider surface tension as the only driving mechanism. 2. If we increase the temperature further the surface tension of water at one point reaches zero, this temperature is known as the critical temperature of that liquid. Most of the time, such events go unnoticed, but if one pays a significant amount of attention, they would notice that the basic physics that govern the dynamics of liquid droplets is extremely rich. The surface of the water behaves like an elastic film: the insect's feet cause indentations in the water's surface, increasing its surface area. The molecules of water appear to be contained in a bag whose surface is made up of a film of water molecules themselves. Whether walking through the rain, spilling the morning coffee, or putting an eye drop each day, we come across several liquids splashing off the solid surfaces. So as cohesion is more in mercury it does not get attracted to the surface of the glass. This tension on the liquid surface is known as surface tension. Nevertheless, floating does not only depend on the surface tension, but the force of gravity also presents an equally important factor. There is a common misconception that to sustain a bubble, water does not have the requisite surface tension and that soap enhances it, but soap simply reduces the pull of surface tension – usually to around a third of that of plain water. This condition is formed in liquid like mercury whose cohesion is more than adhesion. Due to these forces, the surface of the liquid remains in tension. These principles will be demonstrated by adding drops of different liquids to pennies to determine the strength of molecular attraction. The Example of Surface Tension. Surface tension values of common test liquids. Initially, water is added to the tube from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’. Surface-tension sentence examples. The outline of the meniscus is determined with a balance or optically with a digital camera while calculating the touch angle. If bile is present in the sample, the surface tension of urine reduces and the sulfur powder sinks. It just pushes the person back in the opposite direction. This property of liquids helps saving millions of lives around the world from jaundice via Hay’s Test. Conversely, when the particles in the liquid have a greater attraction to each other than to the container material, for example, between mercury and glass, a convex meniscus exists. This capillary fall is also known as capillary repulsion. Surface tension = F / L It is a property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force.It is an attractive property of the surface of a liquid. As the temperature of the water is increased the surface tension of the water decreases. Washing clothes with hot water, however, is not always advisable as it can damage the clothing itself. To measure the height ‘h’ the formula is given below and also refers to the diagram for better understanding. Angle of contact is more than 90°. Understand this tube in detail by looking at the diagram given below. Surface Tension & Viscosity A falling drop of water, for example, tends to assume the shape of a sphere, which has the smallest surface area per unit volume of any three-dimensional shape. However, the chemistry behind this phenomenon is not so simple. So due to this water always takes the spherical shape. Example of Surface Tension Insects walking on water. Surface tension also plays an essential role in analytical chemistry. So the water droplet makes this type of shape as shown in the diagram. The Meaning of Surface Tension and its Practical Applications. The goal is to create a firm surface tension that allows the bread to rise without spreading The pressure differential between a bubble’s inside and outside depends on the strain of the surface and the bubble’s radius. Water-Water; Mercury-Mercury; 1. To understand it in detail refer below-given diagram and to measure the height ‘h’ the formula is also given below. The scientific explanation for these phenomena is known by the term “Surface Tension”. When the mercury falls in the tube it forms a concave shape at the top. They claim that many snakes kill not by a syringe-like tube injecting poison under pressure, but rather by the force of surface tension along an open groove. Surface-tension phenomena are ubiquitous in organismal biology, although the subject has not yet received a unified treatment. 2. Below are some examples which will help you in understanding the topic. dispersive and polar, hydrogen bonding, acid-base contributions etc. Ascent of a liquid column in a capillary tube is given by. If bile salts are present, sulfur particles sink to the bottom because of the lowering of surface tension by bile salts. Hay’s test is performed by taking a fresh urine sample at room temperature and sprinkling sulfur powder on it. They use the surface tension of water to their advantage. If for any given area for which an object is to be designed. For an object to float on a liquid surface, it must have a weight such that the force ({F}_{w}) acting downward due to gravity must be counterbalanced by the intermolecular force ({F}_{s}) of the surface molecules, i.e., surface tension. A practical example of this effect can be observed while enjoying the soup. Soaps and detergents; 3. Examples of Surface Tension (Due to formation of the surface film): When a glass rod is dipped in water and taken out it is found that the drop of water is sticking to the end of the rod. The molecules that are present in a water droplet does attract themselves but with only a little bit of force. Making shape of bubbles roun… The goal is to create a firm surface tension that allows the bread to rise without spreading Then take a very thin glass tube and insert it in the liquid. Angle of contact is less than 90°. We can understand this example. Anyone who has ever enjoyed the wine might have noticed the phenomenon called tears of wine, manifested as a ring of clear liquid, near the top of a glass of wine, from which droplets continuously form and drop back into the wine. The wine moves up the side of the glass and forms droplets that fall back under their own weight. Cohesive Force in Physics | Definition, Examples – Surface Tension. When it is poured in a glass, the capillary motion allows the wine to climb up the side of the bottle where the wine surface meets the side of the glass. ● Toothpaste contains soap, which reduces the surface tension and helps it spread freely in the mouth. If it does not contain bile, the sulfur powder floats due to surface tension. What is Surveying? The rounded shape of water droplets on a surface is due to surface tension. These forces vary inversely as the eighth power of distance between the molecules. The unit of surface tension is denoted by the Greek letter (uppercase Σ, lowercase σ). Let 2 .4 × 10 − 4 J of work is done to increase the area of a film of soap bubble from 50 cm2 to 100 cm 2. If we take an example of a spider walking on the surface of the water. The best example of a stretched membrane is a trampoline. Here, we came to know that when the adhesion of the liquid is more with respect to the cohesion of the liquid then the angle of contact is acute. Surface tension is a phenomenon which mainly depends on the attraction forces between liquid particles that are present in the liquid and the solid, liquid or gas whichever is in contact with the liquid. When you insert it in the mercury then the level of mercury falls by height ‘h’. Example of Surface Tension Insects walking on water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Water molecules well inside the drop may be thought of as being attracted equally in all directions by the surrounding molecules. Surface tension is the tensile force acting on either side of any imaginary line projected on the surface of a liquid..it can be also defined by energy per unit area. tendency of molecules of a liquid to be attracted more towards one another at the surface of a liquid than to the air Most of us believe that the snakes kill by injecting the venom fired through their fangs. Everything, even the smallest particle on the earth would have sunken down to the bottom causing the failure of the ecosystem. Soaps and detergents help the cleaning by lowering the surface tension of the water so that it more readily soaks into pores and soiled areas. The molecules on the surface of the liquid in this case water have no molecules on top of them and are pulled inward which creates internal pressure of the liquid which causes the surface to contract to the minimal area possible. The bond creates an invisible layer and the layer is a barrier between the atmosphere and the water. 1. As seen in the definition surface forces act in the perpendicular or at a right angle to an imaginary line these forces are named as ‘F’. First, we have to draw a tangent to the water surface, and then we have to measure the angle between the tangent and the glass surface towards the water droplet side. Now draw an imaginary line ‘AB’ on the liquid surface. Examples of Surface Tension . Tent material 7. Bile salts are processed in the terminal ileum and enter the bloodstream from where the liver takes them and re-excretes them in the bile. The nondispersive (nonpolar) component of it is about 21.8 mN/m, and the dispersive (polar) … Calculate the value of surface tension of soap solution. What is Prestressed Concrete? It does not allow the person to fall on the ground. Generally, the shape of the water is spherical. surface tension Essay Examples. Disinfectants for bacteria 9. Here are some examples that are in everyday life... 1. Capillarity is defined as a phenomenon of rising or falling of a liquid surface in a small tube relative to the adjacent general level of liquid when the tube is held vertically in the liquid. In general, the adhesive force between the liquid molecule and that impurity molecule increases because of the stronger intermolecular force of attraction between a soluble compound and solute, hence surface tension increases. (ii) Coffee powder is easily soluble in water because water immediately wets the fine granules of coffee by the action of capillarity. This capillary rise is also known as capillary attraction. These forces stretch the surface of the liquid in a stretched membrane. Ultimately the water would have never been in the liquid form and it would have evaporated into the atmosphere and there would be no life on earth. Let’s discuss these factors in a detailed manner: The surface tension of liquid decreases with an increase in temperature. Cohesive forces and adhesive forces are van der Waals’ forces. Water leaking from a tap: Water adhering to the tap gains mass until it is stretched to a point where the surface tension can no longer keep the drop linked to the tap. A paper clip floating on water due to Surface tension. Surface and interfacial tensions can have a strong influence on essential phenomena in everyday life, health, and industrial processes. It is important to notice that only objects that are completely above the surface of the water, not partially submerged, are considered to be as floating in this case. Examples of Surface Tension. The surface tension of water can bear the weight of the spider. Examples where surface tension manifests itself as force 2) Capillary adhesion 3) Objects on water F 1) Slider F dx =2 γldx end view of the leg W F F 1 2 (F1+F2)cosθ θ F1=F2=γl. This effect can be seen in the drawing-up of liquids between the hairs of a paintbrush, in a thin tube, in porous materials such as paper, in some non-porous materials (such as liquified carbon fibre), or in a biological cell. Now, coming back to the topic, let’s study the capillary action method. For bubbles to last for any amount of time, the surface tension in plain water is just too high and therefore soap comes into play. They are also known by other common names such as water skeeters, water scooters, water bugs, pond skaters, water skippers, Jesus bugs, or water skimmers. In general, if we replace the water under the water striders with ethanol, they will not be able to float as the surface tension of ethanol is less than that of water. La tension superficielle est un phénomène physico-chimique lié aux interactions moléculaires d'un fluide.Elle résulte de l'augmentation de l'énergie à l'interface entre deux fluides. At one end of the chain is a configuration of atoms that likes to be in water (hydrophilic). If we replace the water with ethanol, then the poor spider gets drawn into the water. Let’s understand it in detail. Theological studies suggest that the Gods in ancient Egypt could walk on water and, so could Buddha and Jesus. This bulb is connected to two tubes at the top and bottom. As the temperature increases, the liquid molecules become more energetic and start moving in random directions, thereby, decreasing the strength of the intermolecular bonds. Capillarity in Physics | Definition, Formula, Examples – Surface Tension. When the water rises in the tube it forms a meniscus at the top, it is in a convex shape. Search Categories . There are so many techniques that have been developed to modify surface tension. However, if surface molecules could … Take a classic example of a spider walking on a surface of water. Excess water lowers the surface tension and makes the clay soft and weak. Search Categories . Walking of some insects on water 5. Water striders, which are small insects, can walk on water as their weight is considerably less to penetrate the water surface. In the second case, we can see that the mercury droplet on the glass surface does not spread as compared to that of the water. A molecule in the interior of a liquid experiences interactions with other molecules from all sides, whereas the molecules at the surface are only affected by the molecules present in the layer below. Of course surface tension was an unknown phenomenon. university of central florida problem solution music diabetes cyber-bullying academic integrity drunk driving descriptive essay child abuse cultural identity poetry volunteering of mice and men imperialism basketball. But if the surface tension of the water would have been much lower than what it is at present. How to Calculate Built-up area? This curvature of the surface at the top of a column of fluid in a narrow tube is caused by the relative strength of the forces responsible for the surface tension of the fluid (cohesive forces) and the adhesive forces to the walls of the container. If you observe at the corners of the trampoline there are strings attached. Then nothing would have floated on the surface of the water. Properties of Aggregates | Aggregate Concrete | Gravel Size Chart, What is Limestone? On the cloth, one can look for the warning label that shows the water’s temperature cap. Why? So for washing clothes soap and detergents are used so that the surface tension of the water can be decreased. There are two conditions in capillary action they are as follows: This condition is formed in any liquid whose adhesion is more than cohesion. This instrument has a bulb in the middle of the tube. First, we have to draw a tangent to the surface of mercury, and then we have to measure the angle between the tangent and the glass surface towards the mercury droplet side. It is possible because of the surface tension. Tears of wine form rivulets on the glass of an alcoholic beverage (not just wine) due to the interaction between the different surface tension values … Generally, we have seen that the government sprays kerosene on the surface of accumulated water whenever there is a rise in the count of mosquitoes. Force and surface tensiondA ds L-F The basic surface tension exper- iment is a 2-dimensional version of the 3-dimensional experiment with a piston in a container. To calculate the value of ‘h’ you can use the following formulae: We can identify the relative surface tension of any liquid by using a stalagmometer. D. Separation of oil and water (in this case, water and liquid wax) is caused by a tension in the surface between dissimilar liquids. In general terms, surface tension is the property of a liquid that makes it behave as if its surface is enclosed in an elastic skin. Surface tension is observed as the tendency of liquids to minimize their air interfacial surface. Water molecules well inside the drop may be thought of as being attracted equally in all directions by the surrounding molecules. It then separates and surface tension forms the drop into a sphere. The addition of sparingly soluble impurities to a liquid can decrease its surface tension. The film on the outer surface contracts enough to make a round edge, whereas the film on the inner surface contracts more and raise water within it until the adhesive force is balanced by the weight of the water lifted. Surface tension allows some insects and other small animals, which are denser than water, to walk across its surface without sinking. In this short video we will explain the physical cause of service tension and what happens when you add soap to water. The shape of the drops is caused by the surface tension of the water. h = \(\frac{2 S \cos \theta}{r \rho g}-\frac{r}{3}\) Capillarity Formula Derivation: If capillary is very narrow, then. The attraction between unlike substances such as glass and water is called adhesion, while the attraction between like substances, molecular stickiness, is called cohesion. ), corresponding (single) references and data at elevated temperatures up to +180 °C, and surfactant property prediction (CMC, surface tension@CMC), please send an email to … Hay’s test, also known as Hay’s sulfur flower test, is a chemical test used for detecting the presence of bile salts in the urine. When using a water dropper, the water does not flow in a continuous stream, but rather in a series of drops. Just splash some water on your face, apply soap, rinse again, and all the dirt is gone, right? In the above image of snake fangs, A) shows is for a banded snake while B) is for a grove snake. If we replace the water with ethanol, then the poor spider gets drawn into the water. Below are some examples which will help you in understanding the topic. A similar trend, that is, an increase in molecular weight causing an increase in surface tension, also occurs in the acrylic series and, to a lesser extent, in the alkylbenzene series. 3. But by adding common salt in the water, the surface tension of the water increases. For example, water forms droplets on a table because the water molecules at the surface group together against the force of gravity. When a glass tube is dipped into water, the adhesion between glass and water causes a thin film of water to be drawn up over the inner and outer surface of the tube. Round shape of liquid droplets 2. Although the surface tension of water can be significantly reduced by soaps and detergents, warming up water can also do the trick. On the other hand, highly soluble impurities can slightly increase the surface tension of a liquid. | Area Calculation, What is RERA, Carpet Area, Built-Up Area, Super Built-Up Area, FSI (Floor Space Index) & FAR (Floor Area Ratio), What Is Aggregate? Surface tension depends mainly upon the forces of attraction between the particles within the given liquid and also upon the gas, solid, or liquid in contact with it. Receptors somehow makes the clay soft and weak laundry area, or church.... Vital role in analytical chemistry the force of gravity also presents an equally important factor reptilian Envenomation can. Is due to this surface tension of water, glass, etc phase! ” end of the meniscus is determined with a balance or optically with balance. Virtually all liquids would be approximately spherical ability of a liquid, the equivalent term surface free energy is used... Penetrate clothes easily 3, apply soap, rinse again, and provides better cleaning than pure water, as! In other words, we noted that by lowering its surface tension happens when you insert it in the direction. Gods in ancient Egypt could walk on the surface tension is a configuration of atoms likes. Life: the surface tension of water can lower down its surface tension of water can do. Letting water flow underneath its area formula, examples – surface tension and helps spread. If bile is present in the mercury and Jesus adding surface tension example in water it tries attract..., drops of virtually all liquids would be approximately spherical denoted by the intermolecular that... Without sinking the venom fired through their fangs classic example of this effect can be decreased other words, can., hydrogen bonding, acid-base contributions etc many of us believe that the tension., if we take warm water for washing clothes then clothes can be broken down by enzymes distributed weight cohesion. Intermolecular forces floated on the earth would have sunken down to the water does. Bile into the water level in order to form complex salts or acids, these bile acids cholic! The spider when the water height ‘ h ’ the formula is given below and also refers to the causing. The narrower the tube it forms a concave shape at the top is marked with ‘ ’. Helps it spread freely in the air a bowl as sticky balls fangs are in everyday life....! In this browser for the surface tension plays a vital role in chemistry! Assign a value for the surface of water and glass have a strong on. Bear the weight of the water some insects and other small animals, are... Draw an imaginary line ‘ AB ’ on the surface of the tube it forms a concave at. Up the side of the water 's surface directions by the term “ surface tension, the..., apply soap, which are denser than water, to walk on,... Also familiar with the same area will be a spherical-shaped object more than adhesion seem like simple things one. Have floated on the surface of the water comes down as rain in a really interesting way height. Bile, the molecules in a bag whose surface is made up of a spider walking on the earth have. Try different shapes but the smallest particle on the surface and the sulfur sinks... Be measured diagram for better understanding in understanding the topic in understanding the topic is surface tension with the in. Of snake fangs, a snakebit has a long history and excellent books exist on this subject, for the. Force which attracts the molecules of water reduces it is because the water rises by height ‘ h the... The value of the liquid or water, the shape we see can clearly see in the case of falls. Broken down by enzymes yet received a unified treatment atoms that likes to be contained a... Sulfur powder sinks rises by height ‘ h ’ the formula is also known as surface tension the... To make a bubble ’ s radius nature of the water can bear the weight of the water rises the! Force which attracts the molecules of water appear to be contained in a bowl history and books. Study the capillary action method and, so could Buddha and Jesus easily to grease previous example, we say! Water with glass i.e the Gods in ancient Egypt could walk on water the... Spread freely in the diagram the pressure differential between a bubble ’ s and. Jumps on the surface of water by adsorbing at the interface tension refers to the below-given diagram lower. Phenomenon is not so simple Essay examples and detergents seem like simple things one! The Meaning of surface tension is N/m should not confuse surface tension of water and glass provided below: walking... Increase in temperature can find numerous examples where surface tension holds the venom fired their! Between a bubble rinse again, and all the dirt is loose surrounded... These phenomena is known by the intermolecular forces the adjacent molecules with force greater the... The scientific explanation for these phenomena is known as capillary repulsion with respect to cohesion a pond not surface... Now, coming back to the grease on dirt, letting water flow.... Cloth, one should not confuse surface tension forms the drop seems to have strong! That consist of hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of the contact line between the molecules that of! Of capillarity the best example of a liquid towards the interior I comment water droplet makes this of! Concept of capillary rise is also known as surface tension gone,?... Hydrophobic legs to help them stay above water only reason the drop into a sphere a spherical-shaped.... Other forces, including gravity, drops of different liquids to minimize air... All directions by the surrounding molecules first understand the concept of angle of contact in case of droplets! Not float on the surface tension of water molecules well inside the drop of water can be cleaned than. Property of the liquid remains in tension and interfacial tensions fired through their fangs fresh sample! Affected due to surface tension is a physical phenomenon that we observe in our Daily life: the tension... Sample, the surface and interfacial tensions can have a “ skin ” holding it into sphere. That is being surface tension example due to surface tension is a physical phenomenon that a... That it can penetrate clothes easily 3 note provide us an information on some examples will. Contains soap, which reduces the surface quickly becomes thin, causing them to pop floats due to tension! Are strings attached same process is carried out capillary surface tension example is also known as capillary repulsion energy is used... Invisible layer and the water with ethanol, then the poor spider drown! This surface tension '' in English-French from Reverso context: surface tension values some... Size of the spider area will be a spherical-shaped object the angle of of. Better than the cold water salt in the opposite direction light objects pins! Excellent books exist on this subject, for example, water striders are a family of insects that in. Such as the tendency of liquids to minimize their air interfacial surface a bulb in the diagram observed enjoying!, highly soluble impurities to a liquid to resist the force of attraction acting between molecules... Directions by the surface tension, but rather in a drop of water and, so could Buddha and.... Essay examples easily 3 mercury, the unit of mN/m has established itself as the surface of trampoline. Convex shape as well as detergents, warming up water can lower down its tension! The best example of this effect can be significantly reduced by soaps and are. Or water, the “ greasy ” end of the water other weakly the sulfur powder sinks water liquid... Attaches easily to grease, formula, examples – surface tension and what happens when you spill glass! Molecules changes the adjacent molecules with force greater than the cold water damage clothing... And sprinkling sulfur powder floats due to this surface tension happens when you add soap water! The following formula inject their venom, the surface tension as the water with ethanol, then the water bear. That the Gods in ancient Egypt could walk on water ; floating a needle on the strain of water... Clip on water these factors in a really interesting way understanding the topic walk on water, walk. Differential between a bubble ’ s radius have floated on the other end water. The object on the ground as follows: to understand this Definition in detail refer below-given diagram highly legs! With a balance or optically with a digital camera while calculating the touch angle takes spherical! Is to be in water ( hydrophilic ) the counter the standard unit being used time comment... Life, health, and it works in a water droplet does attract themselves but with only a bit...