The surface tension of which of the following liquid is maximum?

Options

A. `H_(2)O`
B. `C_(6)H_(6)`
C. `CH_(3)OH`
D. `C_(2)H_(5)OH`

Explanation

To determine which liquid has the maximum surface tension among the given options, we will analyze each option based on their known surface tension values and the factors affecting surface tension.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Surface Tension**:
- Surface tension is the property of a liquid that causes it to behave as if its surface is covered with a stretched elastic membrane. It arises due to the cohesive forces between liquid molecules.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Water**: Water molecules are highly polar and exhibit strong hydrogen bonding, which significantly increases its surface tension.
- **Benzene**: Benzene is a non-polar molecule and has weaker intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces), resulting in lower surface tension compared to water.
- **Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)**: Methyl alcohol has some hydrogen bonding, but it is less extensive than that in water, leading to a lower surface tension than water.
- **Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)**: Ethyl alcohol also exhibits hydrogen bonding but is less than that in water, leading to lower surface tension compared to water.

3. **Comparing Surface Tension Values**:
- The typical surface tension values for the liquids are approximately:
- Water: 72 mN/m (millinewtons per meter)
- Benzene: 28 mN/m
- Methyl Alcohol: 22 mN/m
- Ethyl Alcohol: 22 mN/m
- From these values, it is clear that water has the highest surface tension.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the liquid with the maximum surface tension among the given options is **Water**.

### Final Answer:
The surface tension of which of the following liquids is maximum? **Water**.