Question

surface tension variations surface tension is affected by the type of substrate, or surface, water is resting on. nonpolar substrates do not pull very hard on water molecules, so the drops remain rounded. polar substrates pull on water molecules more, making the drops flatter. this is called wetting. surface tension can also be reduced by introducing a surfactant to water. a surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension and increases wetting. surfactants are commonly used in detergents to allow the detergent to mix with water.
substrates and surfactants
what factors affect surface tension?
type of substrate water molecules are attracted by a polar substrate, and the drop flattens. when a drop rests on a nonpolar substrate, the substrate does not pull very hard on the water molecules, so the attraction between water molecules is not interrupted and the drop remains rounded.
amount of surfactant surfactants have a polar end and a nonpolar end. when added to water, they move to the surface and the water molecules hydrogen bond with the polar end of the surfactant instead of each other, reducing surface tension. the more surfactant is added, the flatter the drop will be.
33 sep construct an explanation printers often use surfactants in the printing of paper with ink. explain why this might be.

Explanation:

Surfactants reduce surface tension. In printing, ink needs to spread evenly on paper. By reducing surface tension, surfactants help ink spread better, ensuring clear and even prints.

Answer:

Surfactants reduce surface tension of ink. This allows ink to spread more evenly on paper, resulting in better - quality prints.