Which of the following statements about surface tension is true?

• A. Surface tension is higher in liquids with weak intermolecular forces.
• B. Surface tension causes liquids to spread out and maximize their surface area.
• C. Surface tension is unrelated to the type of intermolecular forces present in a liquid.
• D. Surface tension arises due to strong intermolecular forces at the surface of a liquid.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that surface tension is a property of liquids that results from the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface.
2. Recall that stronger intermolecular forces (such as hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole interactions) increase the attraction between molecules, leading to higher surface tension.
3. Recognize that surface tension tends to minimize the surface area of a liquid, causing it to form droplets rather than spread out.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to the fundamental concept that surface tension depends on the strength of intermolecular forces and acts to reduce surface area.
5. Conclude that the true statement is: 'Surface tension arises due to strong intermolecular forces at the surface of a liquid,' because this correctly links surface tension to molecular interactions and its effect on the liquid's surface.