What Is The Difference Between Surface Tension And Interfacial Tension?

We specialize in producing surface tension testers (also known as fully automatic surface tension testers) under ultra-high voltage. Next, we will share with you the differences between surface tension and interfacial tension?
Surface tension is the characteristic of contact between liquid and gas phase (usually air). On the other hand, interfacial tension is a characteristic between any two substances. It can be liquid liquid, liquid solid, or solid air.
Common symbols for surface and interfacial tension σ It is measured in terms of force per unit length. Its SI unit is millinewtons per meter (mN/m), which is equivalent to the commonly used cgs unit, dynes per centimeter (dynes/cm).
To understand the origins of surface tension and interfacial tension, we need to understand the other two terms; Cohesion and adhesion.
Cohesion is the interaction between similar molecules
Cohesion is the attraction between molecules that are similar to each other. Cohesion is the intermolecular force that causes a liquid to resist separation. For example, in water, there is strong cohesion and hydrogen bonding, causing rainwater to fall in the form of droplets rather than mist.
The cohesive force between molecules is the cause of surface tension. Alternatively, these forces are imbalanced because there are fewer adjacent molecules on the surface compared to the liquid body.
The cohesive force on solids is so strong that they do not stick to the materials they come into contact with. On the other hand, liquids such as water also have adhesion, allowing them to interact with other liquids and solids.
Adhesion is the interaction between different molecules
Adhesion is the interaction between different molecules. Adhesion is caused by forces acting between two substrates, such as mechanical forces and electrostatic forces. When two immiscible liquids come into contact, adhesion will take effect. When liquid comes into contact with solid, adhesion is also important.
Surface and interfacial tension are important in many industrial applications
Surface tension and interfacial tension are important in many industrial applications. For example, measuring surface tension when determining the critical micelle concentration is necessary. On the other hand, interfacial tension is an important parameter of lotion stability.