Small insect can walk on the surface water due to?

Answer 1

the surface tension ... an 'elastic-like' film on the surface of the water which can support small insects etc.

Answer 2

It is due to surface tension.

Surface Tension, condition existing at the free surface of a liquid, resembling the properties of an elastic skin under tension. The tension is the result of intermolecular forces exerting an unbalanced inward pull on the individual surface molecules; this is reflected in the considerable curvature at those edges where the liquid is in contact with the wall of a vessel. More specifically, the tension is the force per unit length of any straight line on the liquid surface that the surface layers on the opposite sides of the line exert upon each other.

The tendency of any liquid surface is to become as small as possible as a result of this tension, as in the case of mercury, which forms an almost round ball when a small quantity is placed on a horizontal surface. The near-perfect spherical shape of a soap bubble, which is the result of the distribution of tension on the thin film of soap, is another example of this force; surface tension alone can support a needle placed horizontally on a water surface.

Surface tension is important at zero gravity, as in space flight: Liquids cannot be stored in open containers because they run up the vessel walls.

Answer 3

Certain small insects can walk on the surface of the water due to the surface tension, their feet are shaped so that they can distribute their weight enough that they don't generate enough pressure to break the surface tension of the water.

Answer 4

surface tension of the water. the molecules of water when in contact with air (or most gasses) bind to form a skin (sort of). this "skin" has enough strenght to hold up insects, dust, hair and other things. experiment:
get a small saucer of water, a sewing needle. very gently place the needle across the water. if you did it right, the needle will sit on top of the water. its not floating, its sitting on the surface tension of the water. if you put the needle point first, it will poke through the surface tension and sink

Answer 5

surface tension. If there is an even amount of pressure between the water and the object, it stays. Try getting a bowl of water (have nobody touch the water), get a plastic fork, and a paper clip. Put the clip on the form and gently lower it in. Try to get it to stay. There you have it surface tension.

Answer 6

They are not heavy enough to break the surface tension.

Answer 7

surface tension