Which one of the following statements about surface tension is correct ?

Surface tension is a phenomenon where the surface of a liquid behaves like an elastic sheet due to cohesive intermolecular forces [2]. The relationship between surface tension and temperature is generally inverse; as temperature increases, the surface tension of a liquid decreases [1]. This occurs because rising temperatures increase the kinetic energy of the liquid molecules [1]. As molecules move more vigorously, the interparticle forces of attraction—specifically the cohesive forces that pull surface molecules inward—are weakened. According to the Eotvos rule, surface tension eventually becomes zero at the critical temperature when the distinction between the liquid and vapour phases disappears [1]. While some complex fluids may show variations, for standard liquids like water, the increased thermal motion consistently reduces the net inward pull at the interface, thereby lowering the surface tension.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.shivajicollege.ac.in/sPanel/uploads/econtent/ee5f8971abe461025c8ded1add23c794.pdf