Here's why:
* Polarity: Water molecules (H₂O) are polar, meaning they have a slightly positive end (the hydrogen atoms) and a slightly negative end (the oxygen atom).
* Hydrogen Bonds: The positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another water molecule. This attraction is called a hydrogen bond, which is a type of weak intermolecular force.
* Surface Tension: At the surface of water, the water molecules are pulled inwards by the hydrogen bonds from the molecules below and beside them. This inward pull creates a tight, elastic-like surface, which we experience as surface tension.
Think of it like a bunch of people holding hands in a circle. Each person is attracted to the people beside them, making the circle tight and hard to break. The water molecules at the surface are like the people in the circle, pulling on each other and creating a tight surface.
