Question

The potential energy of a molecule on the surface of a liquid compared to one inside the liquid is

• A. lesser
• B. zero
• C. equal
• D. greater

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

When the surface area of the liquid is increased molecules from the interior of the liquid rise to surface . As these molecules reach the surface work is done against the cohesive force.This work is stored in the molecules in the form of potential energy .Thus , the potential energy of the molecules lying in the surface is greater than that of the molecules in the interior of the liquid.