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Water has a much stronger surface tension than alcohol does. Because water molecules are highly polar, they have a relatively strong attraction for each other (as compared to the attraction that the molecules of most other liquids have for each other) and this creates a kind of limited solidity on the surface, called surface tension. The alcohol molecule is much less polar and has much less attraction for other alcohol molecules, and correspondingly less surface tension. It is the surface tension that can support a needle on the surface of the water, despite the fact that the needle is denser than water and is not buoyant enough to float.

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Will objects float better in rubbing alcohol or water?

Objects will float better in rubbing alcohol than in water because rubbing alcohol has a lower density than water. This means that objects will displace less liquid in rubbing alcohol, making it easier for them to float.


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.


Is it easier to sink or float in salt water?

it is easier to float, salt water has a higher density. The more salt, the easier it is to float.


Is it easier to float in salt water or fresh water?

It is definitely easier yo float in salt water.


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.


Is it easier to float or sink in salty water?

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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.


Does adding certain substances to water make boats float better?

Yes, if it makes the water denser, the boat will float easier. For example, it is easier to float in salty water.