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Water, H2O, forms four hydrogen bonds per molecules with other molecules in a tetrahedral arrangement.
A hydrogen bond is an attraction between hydrogen atoms and any highly electronegative atom (N, O or F). The attraction is a result of a small positive charge on hydrogen and a small negative charge on oxygen (or N or F), due the the larger nucleus of oxygen. A larger nucleus contains more protons, which will attract electrons more strongly than the single proton of hydrogen. The electrons in the H-O bond therefore sit closer to oxygen than hydrogen, giving each their small charges.
This hydrogen bonding is especially strong at the surface, where there are no water molecules above it so it forms more concentrated hydrogen bonding, creating "surface tension". The surface tension is a bit like a thin piece of tissue paper (though obviously not as strong) in that you can rest something on it as long as it is not too heavy for its size (ie, as long as it does not exert too much pressure on the tissue paper). A water bug weighs very little, and rests quite long areas of its legs on the surface of the water. The pressure the insect exerts on the surface of the water is not great enough to break the hydrogen bonding that makes up the surface tension, so the insect cannot stink.
What else can I help you with?
Which property of water allows insects to walk on water?
Certain insects (ones with a very light weight) are able to walk on water as their weight does not break the surface tension of the water. Water has a very high surface tension, therefore easily breaking and not supporting weight above a certain limit.
Some insects can stand on the surface of water because water?
has surface tension that allows them to distribute their weight evenly and essentially float on the surface. The surface tension of water is due to the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This unique property of water allows certain insects like water striders to walk on water without sinking.
What are the insects that use their skin to walk across thd surface of the stream?
Insects that are able to walk across the surface of water are called water striders. Water striders make use of the high surface tension of water together with their long, hydrophobic legs to stay above water.
How are small insects able to walk on the surface of water?
The oil on their feet is strong enough to repel the water and there weight is spread out enough that when their feet touch the water, the oil and the water repel each other like when you pour oil on water the oil floats on the top... same principle
Why some insects can walk on water without sinking?
most insects can not float on water, but it depends. A bee will drown if it gets its wings in the water (along with most, if not all, winged insects), but some insects are specifically made to stand on water and catch gnats that are around.
Why insects float on water?
Insects can float on water due to their small size and surface tension of water. Their lightweight bodies and small surface area allow them to be supported by the water's surface tension, which is the result of water molecules sticking together. This allows insects to walk on water without sinking.
Which property of water allows insects to walk on water?
Certain insects (ones with a very light weight) are able to walk on water as their weight does not break the surface tension of the water. Water has a very high surface tension, therefore easily breaking and not supporting weight above a certain limit.
Why is surface tension helpful to some oragisms?
Many insects and microscopic organisms need to be in direct contact with the air to feed, live, and reproduce. The surface tension on water allows many insects to "walk" across the surface making the capture of prey much easier. During the hatching cycle, many insects larvae come to the surface of the water, using the surface tension for support while releasing the larvae inside.
What are some examples of insects that can walk on water?
Some examples of insects that can walk on water include water striders, pond skaters, and water measurers. These insects have special adaptations that allow them to distribute their weight and use surface tension to stay afloat on the water's surface.
How do insects run on water answer with resp to surface tensionpls?
due to surface tension
How do insect use locomotion on water?
"Many of these insects are adapted to utilize the surface tension of water for locomotion. The surface tension of water makes it possible for some insects to stand on water and remain dry."
Some insects can stand on the surface of water because water?
has surface tension that allows them to distribute their weight evenly and essentially float on the surface. The surface tension of water is due to the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This unique property of water allows certain insects like water striders to walk on water without sinking.
How do living things like insects utilize surface tension in their daily activities?
Insects use surface tension to walk on water and other liquids. The surface tension of water allows insects to stay on the surface without sinking, helping them move around and find food or mates.
What property of water supports gliding insects?
Surface tension
Which characteristic of water molecules directly contributes to the remarkable water walking success of insects?
The high surface tension of water is the characteristic that directly contributes to the success of insects walking on water. This surface tension is generated by the hydrogen bonding between water molecules, creating a strong cohesive force that allows insects to stay afloat on the water's surface without sinking.
How do living things like insects use surface?
Surface tension is most important to insects who land on water. Because of cohesion, the hydrogen bonds in water make each individual water molecule "sticky."
How do living things insects use surface tension?
Surface tension is most important to insects who land on water. Because of cohesion, the hydrogen bonds in water make each individual water molecule "sticky."
