Question

what property of water molecules leads to the high surface tension of liquid water?
the high affinity of water molecules for air
formation of covalent bonds between water molecules
formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules
the small size of water molecules

Explanation:

Surface tension in water arises from cohesive forces between molecules. Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with adjacent molecules, creating strong intermolecular attractions. These bonds pull surface molecules inward, resulting in high surface tension. Covalent bonds are intramolecular (within a water molecule), not intermolecular; affinity for air and small molecular size do not explain the cohesive force driving surface tension.

Answer:

formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules