Impurities on the surface of water cause an increase in surface tension resulting in what?

When impurities are present on the surface of water, they can disrupt the uniformity of the water molecules, which leads to an increase in surface tension. This heightened surface tension can cause the formation of bubbles or foam. Foaming occurs because the impurities concentrate at the air-water interface, trapping air and causing bubbles to stabilize and increase in size.

In this context, foaming is a common phenomenon observed in various liquid operations, including those within systems like boilers or cooling towers, where impurities can compromise the system's efficiency. The presence of foaming can lead to operational challenges, such as reduced heat transfer efficiency or increased maintenance needs.

The other options relate to different phenomena in fluid dynamics and plant operations: carryover typically refers to the unwanted transfer of water alongside steam, priming involves water being carried into the steam lines due to low water levels, and scaling pertains to the accumulation of mineral deposits on surfaces within equipment. However, foaming distinctly ties back to the effects of increased surface tension caused by impurities, marking it as the correct selection for this question.