Can you explain surface tension and how to sink a pin? Also, can you explain how a lightning strike can cause third-degree burns?

Here are the answers to your questions.

Question 1:

• a) Joseph was investigating surface tension. This is the property of a liquid's surface that allows it to resist an external force due to the cohesive forces between its molecules.
• b) To make the pin sink, Joseph could:
  • Add a few drops of soap or detergent to the water. These substances reduce the surface tension of water.
  • Heat the water. Increasing the temperature of water decreases its surface tension.
  • Gently push the pin through the surface film of the water, breaking the surface tension.

Question 2:

The scenario of third-degree burns and deep wounds can be scientifically explained by a lightning strike. Lightning is a massive discharge of electricity that generates extremely high temperatures, causing the air to ionize and form plasma (the fourth state of matter). When lightning strikes a person, the intense heat and electrical current cause severe burns and can create deep wounds as the energy passes through the body, rapidly heating and expanding tissues and fluids.