Question

explain the properties of water that allow the water strider to walk on water.

• the force that allows the water strider to stay on top of the water is caused by hydrogen bonding.
• this electrostatic force contributes to the adhesive property of water, which helps explain how water molecules stick to the water strider.
• this property leads to low surface tension, creating a surface structure that allows the strider to walk on water.

Explanation:

Hydrogen bonding in water molecules creates cohesive forces. Cohesion leads to high surface tension. High surface tension forms a "skin - like" surface structure. The water strider's legs distribute its weight, and the high surface tension (due to hydrogen - bonded cohesive water molecules) supports it.

Answer:

The force that allows the water strider to stay on top of the water is caused by hydrogen bonding. This electrostatic force contributes to the cohesive property of water (not adhesive, as adhesive is water - other substance attraction; here it's water - water), which helps explain how water molecules stick to each other. This property leads to high surface tension (not low), creating a surface structure that allows the strider to “walk on water”.