Which statement about the molecules at the surface of a liquid is incorrect? A) Only attractive cohesive forces act with other liquid molecules positioned below and adjacent to the... Which statement about the molecules at the surface of a liquid is incorrect? A) Only attractive cohesive forces act with other liquid molecules positioned below and adjacent to them B) They experience only adhesive forces with the surrounding air molecules C) They are surrounded in all directions by other molecules for which they have an equal attraction D) They experience a net inward force towards the bulk of the liquid
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to identify the incorrect statement regarding the behavior of molecules at the surface of a liquid. We will analyze each statement about the surface molecules and their interactions with adjacent molecules and surrounding air to determine which one is false.
Answer
Statement C is incorrect.
The incorrect statement is C) They are surrounded in all directions by other molecules for which they have an equal attraction.
Answer for screen readers
The incorrect statement is C) They are surrounded in all directions by other molecules for which they have an equal attraction.
More Information
Molecules at the surface of a liquid experience net inward cohesive forces because they aren't surrounded by other liquid molecules on all sides, creating surface tension.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that surface molecules have equal attraction in all directions, which is incorrect as they experience net inward forces.
Sources
- 11.4: Intermolecular Forces in Action - Surface Tension, Viscosity - chem.libretexts.org
- Surface Tension - chem.purdue.edu
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