IX. On the surface-tension of liquids investigated by the method of jet vibration

Abstract

Among the large number of methods available for the determinations of the surface-tension of liquids that proposed by Lord Rayleigh stands out with great fundamental advantages. The principle is as follows:—A jet of liquid issuing from a not circular aperture is executing transverse vibrations depends upon the time elapsed, it is always the same at the same point in space, and thus the motion is steady and the boundary of the jet a fixed surface showing stationary waves. Measurements of the corresponding wave-length (λ), the velocity (V), and cross-section (A) of the jet, together with density ( ρ ) of the liquid afford the necessary constants for the calculation of the capillary-tension (T) according to Lord Rayleigh's theory of jet-vibration.