HESI A2 Physics Quizlet Related

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When a small object floats on the surface of a liquid, the surface tension creates a:

  • A. Buoyant force acting upwards
  • B. Pressure difference causing sinking
  • C. Drag force opposing motion
  • D. Restoring force towards equilibrium
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Surface tension creates a restoring force that holds the object on the surface. The liquid's surface behaves like a stretched membrane, and when disturbed, it tends to return the object to its original position, creating a restoring force. The other choices are incorrect: A buoyant force acts on objects submerged in a fluid, not floating on the surface; pressure differences usually affect sinking objects, not floating ones; drag force is a resistance force that opposes motion, not related to surface tension.