Under the right conditions, it is possible, due to surface tension,
to have metal objects float on water. (See Video V1.9.) Consider
placing a short length of a small diameter steel (sp. wt. 490
lb/ft3
) rod on a surface of water. What is the maximum diameter
that the rod can have before it will sink? Assume that the surface
tension forces act vertically upward. Note: A standard paper clip
has a diameter of 0.036 in. Partially unfold a paper clip and see
if you can get it to float on water. Do the results of this experiment
support your analysis?