Step 1: Understanding the Concept
We must find the statement about angle of contact or surface tension that is false.
Step 2: Check the statements
a: a rise in temperature decreases the angle of contact, which is true.
b: a highly soluble substance such as common salt raises the surface tension of water, so this statement is not true.
c: sparingly soluble substances such as phenol or soap lower the surface tension, which is true.
d: insoluble impurities such as oil or grease lower the surface tension, which is true.
Step 3: Result
Statement b is the one that is NOT true, and it appears as option D.
Final Answer:
Statement b is not true.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{b}} \]