Question

Define cohesion and adhesion. Then explain how the cohesion of water molecules allow some insects to walk on the surface of liquid water

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

Cohesion is the property of a substance that causes its molecules to be attracted to each other, resulting in the sticking or binding together of the particles within the substance. Adhesion is the property that allows molecules of one substance to be attracted to molecules of a different substance.

Water molecules exhibit strong cohesive forces due to hydrogen bonding. This cohesion allows water molecules to stick together, forming a strong surface tension. When some insects, such as water striders or water bugs, walk on the surface of water, they are able to do so because of this cohesion. The cohesive forces between water molecules create a thin film on the surface of the water that is able to support the insects without breaking. Additionally, the shapes and structures of the insects' legs and bodies are adapted to distribute their weight evenly across the water's surface without breaking the cohesive forces.