Multiple choice

When two mercury drops are brought into contact, they merge to form a bigger drop because liquids have tendency to possess

  1. minimum volume

  2. maximum surface area

  3. minimum surface area

  4. maximum volume
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Liquids tend to minimize their surface area due to surface tension. A single larger drop has a smaller surface-area-to-volume ratio than two smaller drops, making it more energetically favorable.

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