Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

What property of water makes it bead up on waxy surfaces?

  1. capillary action

  2. universal solvency

  3. surface tension

  4. fluid action
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Surface tension is the cohesive force between water molecules that causes them to minimize surface area, creating droplet shapes. On waxy (hydrophobic) surfaces, water cannot spread out due to weak adhesive forces, so surface tension dominates and forms beads. Capillary action would actually pull water into narrow spaces, which is the opposite of beading.

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