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Multiple Choice
Which property of water allows a water strider to walk on water?
A
Cohesion
B
Solvent ability
C
High specific heat
D
Adhesion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of surface tension, which is a result of the cohesive forces between liquid molecules.
Recognize that water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive and a negative end, which leads to strong hydrogen bonding between them.
Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, in this case, water molecules attracting each other.
The cohesive forces at the surface of the water create a 'film' or 'skin' that can support small objects, like a water strider, due to surface tension.
Identify that the property of cohesion, through surface tension, is what allows a water strider to walk on water, as it prevents the insect from breaking through the surface.