The properties of a surface differ from those of the bulk liquid because the surface molecules

Step-by-step solution

Molecules deep inside a liquid are surrounded by similar molecules on all sides, making the net intermolecular force on them zero. Molecules at the surface are not completely surrounded by liquid molecules. They have liquid molecules below them and molecules of a different medium (like air or vapor) above them. Thus, they encounter different types of molecules within their range of influence. Due to the difference in the number and type of molecules above and below, the cohesive downward force from the liquid is gr