Question

Some insects, such as water striders, are able to walk on water. In one or two sentences, make and justify a conjecture about a property of water that would allow the insect to walk on it. Make your answer simple, coherent, and intended for 9th grade.

Answer 1

Conjecture: water has strong surface tension — the molecules at the surface stick together like a stretched skin because of cohesion (hydrogen bonding). This surface acts like a thin elastic layer that, when the insect's weight is spread out by long, water‑repellent legs, can support the bug without breaking.