A water strider is an insect that can walk on water. Why is this possible?
a. The insect’s mass and the upward force of gravity prevent the breaking of hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
b. The insect’s mass and small surface area in all directions stick to the water molecules.
c. The insect’s mass is supported by the air pressure in all directions and will not break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
d. The insect’s mass is not strong enough to break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
b. The insect’s mass and small surface area in all directions stick to the water molecules.
The correct answer is b. The insect's mass and small surface area in all directions stick to the water molecules. The water strider's ability to walk on water is due to its small size and the surface tension of water. The insect's legs are shaped and coated in a way that allows them to distribute their weight over a larger area, preventing them from breaking the surface tension of the water. This helps them stay afloat and walk effectively on the water's surface.
To understand why a water strider can walk on water, let's evaluate the given options:
a. The insect's mass and the upward force of gravity prevent the breaking of hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
This option is not correct because the upward force of gravity does not prevent the breaking of hydrogen bonds between water molecules. Gravity pulls objects downward, while hydrogen bonds are the result of the attractive forces between water molecules themselves.
b. The insect's mass and small surface area in all directions stick to the water molecules.
This option is partially correct. The small surface area of the water strider's legs helps distribute its weight over a larger area, reducing the pressure exerted on the water. This allows the water strider to utilize surface tension to stay on top of the water.
c. The insect's mass is supported by the air pressure in all directions and will not break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
This option is not correct because the air pressure does not play a significant role in the water strider's ability to walk on water. It is primarily the surface tension of water that enables this phenomenon.
d. The insect's mass is not strong enough to break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.
This option is the most accurate explanation. The water strider's light body mass, in combination with utilizing the surface tension of water, allows it to walk on the water's surface. The hydrogen bonds between water molecules are relatively weak and can support the insect's weight without breaking.
In conclusion, the correct answer is d. The water strider's mass is not strong enough to break the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules.