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It doesn't actually float, since its density is greater than water. It is kept from sinking by the surface tensionof the water. This phenomenon is created by the formation of polar bonds between the surface water molecules. To make this happen, the needle must be carefully placed on the calm surface of the water, usually held in a container like a glass tumbler (easier to keep the surface calm, than in a wider container like a bowl).
If you wish to prove this principle, here is a very successful method:
1. Place a piece of tissue, slightly larger than the needle is long, flat on the surface of the water.
2. Lay the needle carefully on the tissue.
When the tissue becomes saturated and sinks away from the needle, the needle will remain on the surface of the water. If you wish, once the tissue sinks, It can be removed (carefully) from the system with tweezers. Then you can amaze your friends with your imponderable, impossible feat, of floating a needle. This method will work with a paper clip as well. Any metal object, with smooth surfaces and not too heavy, may be used.
Tip: shape matters. Common pins have been used, but often they won't work because their heads breach the tension membrane.
More Information:
Surface tension. The needle is thin and light, so it just lays on the water. Surface tension is what we call a thin flexible membrane, formed by the polar bonding of surface water molecules, to each other. like a water bed for very light objects.
What else can I help you with?
What liquids can a needle float on?
A needle can be made to float on very still water.
What makes a needle to float in water?
A needle can float on water due to surface tension. When the needle is carefully placed on the surface of the water, its weight is not enough to break the surface tension created by the water molecules, causing it to float.
Does needle float on water?
Yes, a needle can float on water if it is carefully placed on the surface due to surface tension. However, if the needle is pushed down into the water, it will sink due to its density being greater than that of water.
What will happen to a needle place in water?
A needle placed in water will float due to surface tension. The surface tension of water allows the needle to be supported on the surface rather than sink.
How does a needle float on water?
A needle can float on water due to surface tension. The water molecules at the surface stick together, creating a "film" strong enough to support the needle's weight without it sinking. This phenomenon is also why some small insects like water striders can walk on water.
Does the needle float or sink in water?
A needle will sink in water because it is denser than water. The buoyancy force acting on the needle is not enough to counteract its weight, causing it to sink.
What property of water allows a needle to float on water?
Surface tension of water is the property that allows a needle to float on water. This is due to the cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface, creating an invisible film strong enough to support the needle's weight without breaking.
Explain why a swing needle can float on the surface of water in a glass?
Due to surface tension, the upper surface of water acts like a stretched membrane which enables it to float a swing needle.
Why can a sewing needle can float on the surface of water in glass?
Surface tension
Why would a needle flaot on the water?
A needle can float on water due to surface tension. The surface tension of water is strong enough to support the needle and prevent it from sinking, as long as the needle is carefully placed on the water and doesn't break the surface tension.
Why can a sewing needle can float on the surface water in a glass?
Yes if the surface tension of the water is not broken. If you are careful you can place a needle on the surface of the water in a glass. Also if you reduce the surface tension with detergent (just a very little is enough) the needle will sink because it's density is greater than that of the water. NO (if the surface tension of the water is broken, a needle cannot float on the surface of water. This is because the needle has higher density than water (density is mass divided by volume).
Why does a needle sink but a boat float?
The total weight of the surface area of a boat is less than than the weight of a body of water of the same size (buoyancy), so that is why it floats. A needle sinks because a body of water with the same size is lighter than the needle. Note: It is entirely possible to float a needle on water. It requires a bit of doing, but it can be done.
