Exploring Surface Tension
A Grade 6 science worksheet introducing surface tension through definitions, examples, and short answer questions.
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Exploring Surface Tension
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Good luck!
What is Surface Tension?
Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to the cohesive nature of its molecules. It's what makes water form droplets, allows insects to walk on water, and causes a needle to float on water.
1. Surface tension is a property of the surface of a .
2. It allows liquids to resist an force.
3. Surface tension is caused by the nature of a liquid's molecules.
4. Insects like water striders can walk on water due to .
5. Which of the following is an example of surface tension?
A boat floating in water
A rock sinking in water
Water forming a spherical droplet
Ice melting into water
6. What causes the 'skin' effect on the surface of water?
Gravity
Wind
Surface tension
Temperature
7. A heavy object will always sink in water, regardless of surface tension.
True
False
8. Detergents can decrease the surface tension of water.
True
False
9. Explain in your own words how surface tension allows a small insect to walk on water without sinking.
10. Describe an experiment you could do at home to observe surface tension.