Answers (1)
It's because it's measured force per length, that is N/m
N, Newton: kg*m/s^2 = force
Surface tension = N/m = kg*m/s^2 / m
J= Joule = energy = N*m
but as you exchange N with J (kg*m^2/s^2) you are multiplaying another m, that's why you need divide with another m again:
N/m = kg*m/s^2 / m = kg*m^2/s^2 / m^2 = J/m^2
("^2" means square)