You are comparing the surface tension on two bodies of water: a fresh-water pond and a salt-water lagoon. Which one, if measured, would have a higher surface tension?

1 answer

The salt-water lagoon, if measured, would have a higher surface tension compared to the fresh-water pond. This is because the presence of dissolved salt particles in the water increases its surface tension. Salt ions tend to accumulate at the surface of the water, which strengthens the cohesive forces between water molecules and hence increases surface tension.