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Pressure Tension Formula:
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The pressure tension equation calculates the pressure difference due to surface tension in a spherical drop or bubble. This fundamental principle in fluid mechanics describes how surface tension creates a pressure gradient across curved interfaces.
The calculator uses the pressure tension equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that pressure difference is directly proportional to surface tension and inversely proportional to radius. Smaller drops/bubbles have higher internal pressure.
Details: This calculation is crucial for understanding phenomena in fluid dynamics, respiratory physiology (alveolar pressure), industrial processes involving bubbles and droplets, and various biological systems.
Tips: Enter surface tension in N/m and radius in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why is the pressure higher in smaller drops?
A: The curvature is greater in smaller drops, which increases the pressure difference required to maintain the surface tension equilibrium.
Q2: What are typical values for surface tension?
A: Water at 20°C has surface tension of about 0.072 N/m. Mercury has much higher surface tension (~0.465 N/m), while soap solutions have lower values.
Q3: Does this equation apply to both drops and bubbles?
A: Yes, the equation applies to both liquid drops in gas and gas bubbles in liquid, though for bubbles there are two interfaces to consider.
Q4: What are practical applications of this principle?
A: Applications include pulmonary medicine (alveolar pressure), industrial foam processes, inkjet printing, and weather phenomena (cloud droplet formation).
Q5: How does temperature affect surface tension?
A: Surface tension generally decreases with increasing temperature as molecular kinetic energy increases and intermolecular forces weaken.