1. Effect of Temperature: On increasing the temperature, the surface tension of the liquid decreases and becomes zero at a definite temperature (Critical temperature).
2. Effect of Contaminations: If there is dust, grease, oil, etc. on the liquid surface, then the surface tension decreases.
3. Effect of Solute: If the solute is more soluble, (sugar, water, salt, lemon), then the surface tension of water increases.
If the solute is less soluble, then the surface tension decreases. For e.g., dissolving soap, petrol, phenol in water, decreases the surface tension. That is why, when we pour petrol in water, the surface tension decreases and hence, the mosquitoes do not sit on water and sinks.
4. Effect of Detergents: On mixing detergents in water, the surface tension decreases and water reaches the small pores of clothes easily. Otherwise, pure water does not enters there due to more surface tension. The adhesive forces of particles and water is more than the cohesive forces. So, the dust comes out of the clothes. The woolen clothes are cleaned using the petrol. Its surface tension is much lesser so ‘the dust particles are easily removed.
