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Why does a paperclip float on water in a surface tension experiment?
Updated: 11-Apr-2025

Though metal is denser than water, a paperclip can float if gently placed on the surface due to water’s surface tension. Water molecules attract each other strongly at the surface, creating a "skin" that can support light objects.

When you add soap or disturb the water, the clip sinks because surface tension is broken. This experiment demonstrates cohesive forces in liquids and explains how some insects can walk on water using similar principles.

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