Surface tension is defined as the force per unit length acting along the surface of a liquid. The formula for surface tension \( \gamma \) is given by:
\[
\gamma = \frac{F}{L}
\]
where \( F \) is the force applied parallel to the surface and \( L \) is the length along which the force acts.
- The SI unit of force \( F \) is Newton (N).
- The SI unit of length \( L \) is meter (m).
Thus, the unit of surface tension is:
\[
\text{Unit of surface tension} = \frac{\text{N}}{\text{m}} = \text{Nm}^{-1}
\]