This is a rare phenomenon that is observed as a result of the hydrophobic effect. When rain droplets are observed on the leaflets of a plant, one can observe that the droplets take a shape of a sphere. That is, the droplets are folded. This can be related as folding water. The phenomenon is observed in a variety of occasions like protein folding etc. The phenomenon is not fully understood yet, but as one can understand from the term, it is ‘water-fearing’ and makes all the water molecules to come closer and become aggregates of water molecules. The entire phenomenon is viewed as the folding of the water molecules to form just one aggregate of it. There are many ways and many day-day experiences that show and demonstrate the folding of the water phenomenon.
What is expected to happen in the water folding phenomenon?
The common observation in the folding water phenomenon is that the water molecules come together to form a single aggregate of the water molecules which looks as if the water molecules have folded up. When a metallic pin is dropped into the water surface, one can see that the water that touches the surface of the pin bends towards the surface of the pin. This is one of the day-to-day experiences of the folding water phenomenon. When the water drips from the tap that is not completely off, the water droplets that drip off are in the shapes of a perfect sphere. Even this is the demonstration of the water that folds. The water molecules don’t actually fold but the view is just like the water has folded across the edges of the surface and hence the name. Apart from water, the protein granules also show the folding effect. This is due to energies and pressures in the molecules. Surface tension is best related to the folding phenomenon.
What are the examples of the folding water phenomenon?
Some examples of this water phenomenon are discussed below:
- When a spoon of water is raised from a container, the dripping water molecules take the shape of a perfect sphere. It seems as if the water gets folded in the shape of the sphere and hence the name.
- When soap is mixed in water and then stir, one can see soap bubbles taking the shape of a ball; this is the effect of the water folding at the edges.
- A metallic paper clip kept on the water starts floating and one can see the water bending at the surfaces which gives a feeling as if the water has taken a turn at the edges.
- Water striders are a type of spiders that walk on the surface of the water. When they walk, the water on the edges of their body bends inward. This is the effect of the folding water.
- These are the list of common information which may increase habit of reading and exploring more among people after reading this topic.
