Which phenomenon explains why a needle can float on water despite being denser?

Practice Questions

Q1
Which phenomenon explains why a needle can float on water despite being denser?
  1. Buoyancy
  2. Surface tension
  3. Viscosity
  4. Capillarity

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

Which phenomenon explains why a needle can float on water despite being denser?
  • Step 1: Understand that density is a measure of how heavy something is for its size. A needle is denser than water.
  • Step 2: Learn about surface tension, which is a property of liquids that makes their surface behave like a stretched elastic sheet.
  • Step 3: Realize that when a needle is placed gently on the water, it does not break the surface tension.
  • Step 4: Notice that the surface tension creates a 'skin' on the water's surface that can support light objects.
  • Step 5: Conclude that the needle floats because the surface tension of the water is strong enough to hold it up, despite the needle being denser.
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