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Chapter 12: Q12.58P (page 496)

Why does an aqueous solution of ethanol ( CH3CH2OH) have a lower surface tension than water?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The aqueous solution of ethanol has a lower surface tension than water because of the non-polar hydrocarbon chain present in ethanol. This reduces the H-bonding within the molecules, thus the force of attraction is comparatively lower.

Step by step solution

01

Surface Tension

The surface tension is a phenomenon in which the surface area of the liquid decreases because of the unbalanced forces of attraction present on the surface than in the bulk.

02

H-bonding interactions

Ethanol has a hydrocarbon chain present along with the –OH group, which reduces the H-bonding interactions present in the aqueous solution of ethanol. These non-polarchains when present on the surface of the liquid involves more weak London dispersion forces than the strongH-bonding interactions.

03

Lowering in boiling point

Hence, due to the low relative strength of interactions in an aqueous solution of ethanol than in water, the former has lower surface tension than water.

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