water
2006-09-18 00:30:18 · 7 answers · asked by Roxy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Rain drops can form perfect spheres because the attraction of water molecules for each other is stronger on the surface than within the drop. Water surface tension is like all the molecules at the surface sticking their heads out of the sphere and holding each others hands. A water bug causes one or more "dents" in the surface tension displacing enough water to support (buoy up) the weight of the bug. The feet of the bug must repel water (wax, etc.) because if the feet got "wet" the bug would sink. A thin film of oil is sometime added to the surface of swamp water so that mosquito nymphs can not cling to the surface tension (from below) and breathe. That should also make it impossible for water bugs to walk. With great care you can cause a needle to float on the surface tension of water in a basin (void of soap or detergents that are wetting agents).
2006-09-18 01:00:51 · answer #1 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surface Tension, the 'skin effect' on the surface of a body of water. Little bugs are light and don't break through.
2006-09-18 07:42:33 · answer #2 · answered by Ford 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water has a small skin on it,, it's called surface tension. the little bug feet walk on this because they are so light they don't break through.
2006-09-18 07:33:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surface tension "Surface tension is an effect within the surface layer of a liquid that causes that layer to behave as an elastic sheet. This effect allows insects (such as the water strider) to walk on water"
2006-09-18 07:33:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
they are not heavy enough to break the surface of the water
2006-09-18 08:36:37 · answer #5 · answered by john doe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watching "So You Think You Can Dance" on network television has allowed the water-bugs to shake their goove-thang 'to walk-on-the-water.'
2006-09-18 08:19:52 · answer #6 · answered by bereftcat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are lighter than the water beneath them?
2006-09-18 07:32:34 · answer #7 · answered by Claude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋