The "tears" form from the cohesive forces within the water holding it together. It is important to note that the surface tension gradient is "the driving force for the motion of the liquid" (Gugliotti), but the actual formation of the tears is a result of cohesive and adhesive forces.

A cohesive force holds water molecules together. This force is an intermolecular hydrogen bond, which is a weak or temporary sort of chemical connection. It is formed when one HOH’s hydrogen reacts with the hydrogen of another HOH.

Cohesive forces between molecules cause the surface of a liquid to contract to the smallest possible surface area. This general effect is called surface tension. Molecules on the surface are pulled inward by cohesive forces, reducing the surface area. Molecules inside the liquid experience zero net force, since they have neighbors on all sides.

Surface Tension: A measure of the cohesive force at a liquid’s surface. It determines the shape of droplets and the behavior of liquid interfaces. Viscosity: A measure of a liquid’s resistance to flow. It affects the rate at which a liquid spreads or flows under force.

Cohesive forces between molecules cause the surface of a liquid to contract to the smallest possible surface area. This general effect is called surface tension. Capillary action is the tendency of a fluid to be raised or suppressed in a narrow tube, or capillary tube which is due to the relative strength of cohesive and adhesive forces.