The surface of a liquid will be concave if the cohesive force between liquid molecules and container is

Options

A. infinite
B. less than the force of adhesion between liquid molecules
C. equal to the force of adhesion between liquid molecules .
D. more then the force of adhesion between liquid molecules

Answer

To determine the shape of the liquid surface in relation to the cohesive forces between the liquid molecules and the container, we need to analyze the forces at play.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Cohesive and Adhesive Forces**:
- Cohesive forces are the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid molecules together.
- Adhesive forces are the forces between the liquid molecules and the molecules of the container.

2. **Identifying the Conditions for a Concave Surface**:
- A liquid surface becomes concave when the adhesive forces (between the liquid and the container) are stronger than the cohesive forces (between the liquid molecules themselves).
- This means that the liquid molecules are more attracted to the container than to each other.

3. **Analyzing the Given Options**:
- The question provides several options regarding the relationship between the cohesive forces of the liquid and the adhesive forces with the container.
- We need to find the condition where the adhesive forces are greater than the cohesive forces.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The surface of the liquid will be concave if the cohesive force between the liquid molecules is **less than** the adhesive force between the liquid molecules and the container.
- Therefore, the correct answer is: **The cohesive force between liquid molecules is less than the force of adhesion between liquid molecules and the container.**