Liquids Take Shape Of Container from "summary" of States Of Matter by A. Goel
When liquids are held in a container, they take the shape of the object that holds them. This is due to the force of gravity, which causes the liquid to spread out and adopt the shape of whatever is containing it. The surface tension of the liquid also affects the way it takes the shape of its container.- Liquids have the tendency to take on the shape of whatever container they are in. This is because liquids can be compressed and held within an easily manipulable container.
- No matter how irregularly shaped a vessel may be; as long as it can contain liquid, the liquid will assume the shape of the container.
- Fascinatingly, when we put water in a container, it not only takes the shape of the container but also becomes as high or as low as the container allows; molds itself to the exact depth specified.
- It is due to Newton's Law of surface tension which states that all liquids exhibit certain "sticky" properties. The particles of the liquid become attracted to one another and try to pack together as closely as possible.
- That's why, you find liquid spills everywhere - if there is an opening somewhere, the liquid tries its best to come out through it and hence, it assumes the shape of containers.
