liquid
Molecules within a liquid are pulled equally in all directions by intermolecular forces. However, molecules at the surface are pulled downwards and sideways by other liquid molecules, but not upwards away from the surface. The overall effect is that the surface molecules are pulled into the liquid, creating a surface that is tightened like a film. This phenomenon is referred to as surface tension . Liquids that have strong intermolecular forces, like the hydrogen bonding in water, exhibit the greatest surface tension. Table below shows surface tension values for various common liquids.