The angle of contact of mercury with glass is obtuse, while that of water with glass is acute. Which

Question

The angle of contact of mercury with glass is obtuse, while that of water with glass is acute. Which of the following is the primary reason for this behavior in mercury?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

When cohesive forces (between liquid molecules) are stronger than adhesive forces (between liquid and solid surfaces), the liquid tends to form drops and the angle of contact becomes obtuse, as is the case for mercury on glass.