Station 16: Surface Tension

PAPERCLIP OVERBOARD !

What happens?

The paperclip stays afloat!

Why?

• Surface tension keeps the paperclip floating. Its like a layer of skin on the surface of water.
• The water molecules hold tight together, If the conditions are right, they can hold tight enough to support the paperclip.
• If you want to make the surface of the water even stronger, try sprinkling some baby powder on it.