What is surface tension? Can anyone explain how small insects such as the pond skater can walk on water?

Question

If possible try to make out a primary 3 answer =)

Answer 1

Surface tension refers to the tendency of some liquids to act like solids when pressure is applied to them. This occurs because the molecules of the liquid rearrange themselves for as long as the pressure is being applied. Presumably, the pond skater can apply enough pressure to the water to provide solid footing, and remove its foot quickly enough that it is gone before the water loses the force applied (which only lasts a very short while).