How Do You Demonstrate Surface Tension With A Paper Clip And Water (Great Science Experiment)?
Surface tension is a property of water in which the molecules of water on the surface of the liquid is attracted to each other. The surface tension of water allows objects of greater density to be supported on the surface of the water. The attraction of a molecule to itself is called cohesion and attraction between two different molecules is called adhesion. The paper clip floating on the surface of water is a great example which demonstrates to your children how surface tension of water works. Surface tension is what allows small insects to walk on the surface of water; or, what allows dust and leaves to float on the surface of water. Surface tension in conjunction with cohesion is what allows the surface portion of a liquid to form drops such as water drops. Fill a bowl, glass, or beaker with water. Float a small piece of paper towel on the surface of the water. Place the paper clip on top of the paper towel. Carefully push the sides of the paper towel down into the water until the p
