Surface Tension Unit Converter
Convert engineering quantities quickly and consistently.
Quick Access:
Manual Conversion Shortcut
Select units to view formula.
Equivalent Units
Select a quantity to see equivalents.
Standard Reference Tables
SI System
| SI Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 N/m | 1 J/m² |
| 1 mN/m | 0.001 N/m |
FPS System
| FPS Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 lbf/ft | 14.5939 N/m |
CGS System
| CGS Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 dyne/cm | 0.001 N/m = 1 mN/m |
| 1 erg/cm² | 1 dyne/cm |
Surface Tension
What is Surface Tension?
Surface tension is the elastic tendency of a fluid surface which makes it acquire the least surface area possible. It is caused by the cohesive forces between liquid molecules and plays a massive role in multiphase separation.
Process engineers convert surface tension units to model:
- Droplet Coalescence: Sizing internals like mesh pads and vane packs in gas-liquid separators.
- Distillation Hydraulics: Predicting weeping and entrainment across fractionation trays.
- Capillary Action: Designing filtration and porous media systems.
Use this tool to convert between the macroscopic Newton per meter (N/m) and the laboratory standard dyne per centimeter (dyne/cm).