Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Mosquitoes can float on water. Which of the following phenomenon is responsible for this?

  1. Buoyancy

  2. Viscocity

  3. Capillarity

  4. Surface tension

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Surface tension creates a thin 'skin' on water due to cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface. Mosquitoes are lightweight and their legs distribute weight over a large area, preventing them from breaking this surface layer. Buoyancy would require displacing water, which mosquitoes do not do when floating.