AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because of hydrogen bonding, water can actually support objects that are more dense than it is. Water molecules stick to one another on the surface, which prevents the objects resting on the surface from sinking. This is why water striders and other insects can “walk” on water!

Detailed explanation-2: -Insects can walk on water because of a phenomenon called surface tension. This is essentially a property of water (or any liquid) which allows it to resist an external force.

Detailed explanation-3: -Hydrogen bonds create the ‘stickiness’ of water, causing the property of cohesion. These bonds are even stronger at the surface of water because there are fewer molecules to bond with, and this creates the surface tension that allows insects to walk on water.

Detailed explanation-4: -Water has cohesive and adhesive properties. Cohesive forces are responsible for surface tension, the tendency of a liquid’s surface to resist rupture when placed under tension or stress. Water also has adhesive properties that allow it to stick to substances other than itself.