What is Surface Tension?

Surface tension is a special thing that happens on the surface of liquids, like water. Imagine the top of a pond or a glass of water. The water is trying to hold itself together really tightly, like a superhero keeping everything safe! This means that the top layer of water acts a bit like a stretchy blanket.

Why is it Like a Blanket?

When you drop a tiny bug, like a water strider, on the surface of the water, it can walk on it! This is because the surface tension is so strong that it holds the water on top tightly, kind of like a trampoline that doesn’t break. The bug can stand on it without sinking!

Let’s Try an Experiment!

Here’s a fun way to see surface tension in action. You will need:

• A shallow dish
• Water
• Some small paper clips

1. Fill the dish with water, but don’t spill!
2. Very gently, try to place a paper clip on the water. You might need a grown-up to help you do it without pushing the water down too much.
3. Look! The paper clip stays on top of the water because of the surface tension!

What Did We Learn?

Surface tension is what helps some small things to float or stay on top of the water. It’s like magic, but it’s really science! Next time you see water, remember that it has a strong, invisible blanket on top!