Taking units of joules per square meter, it results from discontinuity: while most molecules in a liquid are entirely surrounded by others, at interfaces they aren't, resulting in energy imbalances. It can be directly measured with a capillary tube, 
Taking units of joules per square meter, it results from discontinuity: while most molecules in a liquid are entirely surrounded by others, at interfaces they aren't, resulting in energy imbalances. It can be directly measured with a capillary tube, and explains why bubbles take spherical shapes: minimizing area minimizes energy. For 10 points—identify this property of fluids, because of which certain insects can "walk" on water.
Taking units of joules per square meter, it results from discontinuity: while most molecules in a liquid are entirely surrounded by others, at interfaces they aren't, resulting in energy imbalances.
{surface tension}