Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:
Eisboch wrote:
"Reginald P. Smithers III" wrote in
message . ..
HK wrote:


"The beads were smaller..."

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.


Harry,
I am don't know the actual physics behind the process of water
beading, it has some thing to do with surface tension of the water,
and how the car finish holds onto the water molecules determining the
size of the water droplets. The less surface tension on the car
finish, the less it will holds onto the water molecules and thus, the
larger the water droplets will be before their molecules pull apart.
If the car finish is pitted the surface tension of the car finish
will be so strong it will not allow the water to bead at all or the
beads will be smaller.



Those that are familiar with cleaning optics or glass know that an
indication that the surface is truly clean is that the water sheets,
rather than beads.

Eisboch
edit:

Eisboch,
As I said, my knowledge of physics is poor at best. I am curious
why a car's finish that is as smooth as glass has water beads and a
car that has
not been washed or waxed in years the water always sheets.

I am not familiar with any wax or polish that does not bead just after
it is
applied and starts to sheet as the surfaced is pitted.