Water striders are insects that have the ability to walk across the surface of water.

Which properties of water allow the water strider to do this?
Choose 2 answers:
Choose 2 answers:
(Choice A) Adhesion
A
Adhesion
(Choice B) Capillary action
B
Capillary action
(Choice C) Specific heat
C
Specific heat
(Choice D) Surface tension
D
Surface tension

5 answers

The two properties of water that allow water striders to walk across the surface of water are:

(Choice D) Surface tension
(Choice A) Adhesion (to some extent, as it contributes to the overall interaction with water molecules, but surface tension is the primary factor)

However, if you need to choose only one primary property focused on the ability to walk on water, the best answer would be:

  • Surface tension (Choice D)

So, the most relevant answer is (Choice D) Surface tension.

is this right?

Yes, that's correct! Among the options provided, the primary property that allows water striders to walk on the surface of water is (Choice D) Surface tension. Surface tension is a result of cohesive forces between water molecules, allowing them to resist external force. This property enables water striders to remain on the surface without sinking.

While adhesion plays a role in the interactions between the water strider's legs and water molecules, the critical factor is surface tension. Therefore, if you are required to choose only two, it would be best to select Surface tension (D) and possibly Adhesion (A) as a secondary choice, although surface tension is the main property at play here.

gotta pick 2

If you need to pick two properties, the best choices would be:

  • (Choice D) Surface tension
  • (Choice A) Adhesion

Surface tension is the primary property that allows water striders to walk on water, as it provides the necessary support for their weight. Adhesion, while not as critical as surface tension, can also play a role in the interaction of the water strider's legs with the water surface. Therefore, you can confidently choose both surface tension and adhesion.