Answer: Surface tension minimizes surface area for a given volume.
- A Gravity acting on the droplet pulls it into a perfectly spherical shape
- B Surface tension minimizes surface area for a given volume
- C The liquid's viscosity forces the droplet into a spherical shape over time
- D Vapour pressure acting uniformly on the surface pushes it into a sphere
Correct answer: B. Surface tension minimizes surface area for a given volume
Explanation: Surface tension acts to minimize surface area, and a sphere has the least surface area for a given volume.
Boyle's law: at constant temperature the pressure of a fixed mass of gas is inversely proportional to its volume (P ∝ 1/V), so the P–V plot is a hyperbola — halving the volume doubles the pressure. Image: Reginaprice2013, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Discover why gases expand to fill any container while liquids flow and solids hold their shape. Master the gas laws, the ideal gas equation, and the reasons real gases deviate from ideal behavior.