Measuring lateral capillary forces on floating particles using the Moses effect

Abstract

This study presents a novel and user-friendly technique for detecting the lateral capillary force on a floating spherical particle. The technique leverages the interplay between the capillary attracting forces, hydrostatic pressure forces, and magnetic repulsion forces. A magnetic field is applied to induce a surface curvature in the liquid, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of capillary and hydrostatic pressure forces across the particle’s surface. This leads to a stable equilibrium position of the particle at a specific distance from the magnet. The study analyzes the equilibrium position and other relevant parameters in comparison with the developed theory. Classical mechanics and intermolecular forces are applied to establish the theoretical basis for the method, modeling the behavior of the particle in response to the magnetic field, surface curvature, and hydrostatic pressure. The equilibrium position of the particle is determined by numerically solving the balance of forces equation.