The paper clip, which is denser than water, floats on the surface because of water's surface tension. Surface tension is a prope
rty of water that is the result of polar water molecules sticking together or water's property of A)
adhesion.
B)
cohesion.
C)
buoyancy.
D)
capillary action.
The answer is cohesion. The high surface tension helps the paper clip (with much higher density) float on water. The property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to cohesive nature of its molecules. Cohesion refers to the attraction of molecules for molecules of the same kind. Water molecules have strong cohesive forces due to their ability to form hydrogen bond with each other.
