Physics > Surface Tension Data
Surface tension is a property of liquids where the surface behaves like an elastic sheet. It is this effect which causes capillary action, causing the liquid to be 'pulled' up a capillary tube. It also allows small objects such as needles to float on the surface of liquids which would not normally float through buoyancy.
The table below shows the surface tension of various liquids in N/m (Newtons per metre).
| Liquid |
Temperature °C |
Surface tension, N/m |
| Acetic acid |
20 |
0.0276 |
| Propanone |
20 |
0.0237 |
| Ethanol |
20 |
0.02227 |
| Glycerol |
20 |
0.063 |
| Hydrochloric acid (17.7M) |
20 |
0.063 |
| Isopropanol |
20 |
0.0217 |
| Mercury |
15 |
0.487 |
| Methanol |
20 |
0.0226 |
| Sodium chloride 6.0M aqueous solution |
20 |
0.08255 |
| Sucrose (55%) + water |
20 |
0.07645 |
| Water |
0 |
0.07564 |
| Water |
25 |
0.07197 |
| Water |
50 |
0.06791 |
| Water |
100 |
0.05885 |