Why Can't We Walk on Water Like Spiders?

Imagine water as a trampoline. Small things like spiders can bounce on it, but big things like us just sink through. Spiders have tiny feet that stick to the water’s surface, making it feel like they’re walking on air.

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Examples

A water strider walks on the lake like it’s a dance floor.
A drop of water can hold up a tiny insect like a bubble.
Your feet sink in puddles because you’re just too big for them.

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Categories: Physics · surface tension,fluid dynamics,arachnids,physics of nature