Wilhelmy plate method

The Wilhelmy plate method measures how much a liquid sticks to or wets a surface, helping determine surface tension. In this technique, a thin, flat plate (often glass or platinum) is partially submerged vertically into the liquid. The force needed to pull the plate out is measured, which relates to the liquid’s surface tension—the force holding the liquid's surface together. This method provides precise surface tension data crucial in fields like chemistry and materials science. It’s valued for its accuracy and ability to work with small liquid amounts, making it a reliable tool for studying interfaces.