Quick Answer: Quincke’s Surface Tension Apparatus finds the surface tension and contact angle of a non-wetting liquid, such as mercury, by the sessile drop method. A flat glass plate sits on a levelled metal frame beside a trough for the liquid.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Flat glass plate on which the drop rests
Metal frame with triple-point levelling screws for setting the plate horizontal
Chemical-resistant trough for mercury or other dense liquids
Used with a travelling microscope of 0.01mm resolution (not listed as included)
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Frame
Metal, with levelling adjustment
Plate
Flat glass
Levelling
Triple-point levelling screws
Trough
Chemical-resistant, for mercury or high-density liquids
A large drop of the liquid is placed on the levelled glass plate, and a travelling microscope is used to measure the height of the drop and its maximum diameter. From these readings students calculate the surface tension and the angle of contact of the liquid with glass. Schools, colleges and institutes in Eritrea, Haiti, Argentina, Uganda and Honduras can order the Quincke's Surface Tension Apparatus from Educational Instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a travelling microscope supplied with Quincke’s Surface Tension Apparatus?
The source describes the apparatus as compatible with a 0.01mm resolution travelling microscope and does not list one as included.
