Meniscus

Definition

A meniscus is the curve seen at the top of a liquid in response to its container. The meniscus can be concave or convex, depending on the liquid and its container.

Related terms

Capillary Action:

This is when liquid flows in narrow spaces without assistance or even against gravity. It happens because of intermolecular attractions within the fluid and solid surrounding surfaces.

Surface Tension:

This is defined as the energy required to increase the surface area of a liquid by unit amount. It causes liquids to reduce their surface area to minimum possible, making them behave like stretched elastic sheets.

Convex Meniscus: This occurs when particles in a liquid have stronger cohesive than adhesive forces (like mercury).