Here you go:
§ explain surface tension in terms of the forces experienced by particles at the surface of a liquid
l There are weak cohesive forces acting over short distances between the particles in a liquid. At the surface of the liquid, inward attraction forces are stronger between water-water particles than between water-air particles. This causes a surface effect, called surface tension, which appears like a thin transparent skin. Therefore, it is the unbalanced forces and the waters surface which creates surface tension
l The forces are continually braking and reforming and ‘holds’ molecules in liquid state.
l This same force causes droplets of liquid to be spherical. The forces that hold particles of the same substance together are called cohesion forces.
l Another liquid, mercury also has strong cohesion forces that hold its particles together. If it is spilled it forms droplets in the shape of a sphere. Because the forces between the particles of mercury are stronger than those between water molecules, large drops of mercury are more spherical in shape than large drops of water.
l There are also forces that attract particles of one substance to particles of other substances. These are called adhesion forces.
l Water has a high degree of surface tension which is why pondskaters and many other insects can run about on water without sinking.
From lingy parks notes in the resources section. The notes are very good! hope this helped.
