The resistance of a liquid to an increase in its surface area is called:A) capillary action

B) surface tension

C) vapor pressure

D) viscosity

E) none of these

(B) - Surface tension

Explanation:

(A) Capillary action is the tendency of a liquid to rise or fall in a narrow tube.

(B) Surface tension is the resistance acting along the surface of a liquid, causing the liquid to behave like a stretched elastic skin and resist increase in surface area.

(C) Vapor pressure is the pressure of a gas in contact with its liquid or solid form

(D) Viscosity is the internal friction between layers of fluid in motion and the SI unit is Poise.

Therefore the resistance to increase in surface area of a liquid is Surface tension.