What happens to surface tension when a surfactant is added to a spray mix?

When a surfactant is added to a spray mix, the surface tension decreases. Surfactants, or surface-active agents, modify the properties of liquid surfaces to enhance the spreading and wetting characteristics of the spray mixture. By reducing the surface tension, surfactants enable the spray to spread more evenly over the target surface, improving coverage and efficacy of the pesticide application.

This reduction in surface tension is crucial in ensuring that the pesticide can effectively penetrate plant surfaces or other areas being treated, allowing for better absorption and activity of the chemical. Therefore, the correct understanding of surfactants is essential for effective aerial pesticide application, as they contribute to the overall performance of the spray mix.