When we fill the glass with water, we notice right away that it can go over the brim of the glass without spilling. This is because of surface tension. Surface tension holds the water together and acts against what would normally cause the water to fall – gravity – because each molecule of water is attracted to the other water molecules around it.
Explanation:
extra facts Water molecules are attracted to each other and is why you can fill a glass and as it gets to the top it will stay together to a certain point. However that stick together ability is pretty mild so when gravitational forces take effect the bonds are broken and it flows down the sides of the glass. Unfortunately, the attraction between the water molecules is only so strong. As we add coins, the amount of water spilling over the edges is getting larger and larger until the water just can’t take it anymore! Gravity is pulling on too many of the molecules for their attraction to keep them up, and the water spills down the side of the glass.What to Do. Place the glass on the saucer and fill the glass of water all the way to the brim. You’ll notice that the water hangs slightly over the top of the glass but doesn’t spill out just yet. Now, add the coins one at a time to the glass of water, dropping them in rim-first (not face down).
