Contact Angle & Wetting

Young's equation γ_LVcos θ = γ_SV − γ_SL governs the equilibrium contact angle of a droplet. Explore complete wetting, partial wetting, and non-wetting regimes.

Surface Energies

γ_SV (solid-vapor): 0.60 γ_SL (solid-liquid): 0.20 γ_LV (liquid-vapor): 0.50 Droplet volume: 1.0

θ = 0°

Young's equation:
cos θ = (γ_SV−γ_SL)/γ_LV

Regimes:
θ=0°: complete wetting
0<θ<90°: hydrophilic
90<θ<180°: hydrophobic
θ=180°: non-wetting

Spreading coeff:
S = γ_SV−γ_SL−γ_LV

Contact Angle & Wetting Transitions

Surface Energies