What effect does increasing surface tension have on droplet formation?

Increasing surface tension enhances droplet separation. Surface tension is a physical property that arises from the cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the surface of a droplet. When the surface tension is high, the cohesive forces are stronger, which promotes the formation of distinct, smaller droplets rather than allowing them to merge into larger ones.

This is particularly relevant in situations like spray formation or when considering how fluids behave in different environments, such as on a surface or within an aerosol. Increasing surface tension results in a greater tendency for droplets to maintain their shape and resist merging with one another, thereby leading to better separation.

In contrast, higher surface tension would not cause droplets to merge, prevent their formation, or have no effect on their behavior. Consequently, the enhancement of droplet separation directly correlates with increased surface tension.