Could You Run on Water?

The video explores the concept of running on water, starting with the mythical basilisk and its real-life counterpart, a lizard that can run on water due to physics, not magic. It explains why humans can't naturally run on water due to the weak molecular forces in liquids compared to solids. Small animals use surface tension to walk on water, while larger animals like basilisks and grebes use specific techniques to run on water. Humans would need to generate immense force to run on water, but a study shows it's possible under reduced gravity, like on the moon. The video concludes with a SciShow promotion.

What is the primary reason humans cannot naturally walk on water?

• The attractive forces in liquids are too strong.

• Humans are too light to be supported by water.

• Humans have not evolved to walk on water.

• The attractive forces in liquids are too weak.

How do small animals like water striders manage to stand on water?

• They use water's surface tension and have water-repellent hairs.

• They have special muscles that allow them to hover.

• They have large feet that distribute their weight.

• They are extremely light and can float naturally.

What adaptation helps basilisks run on water?

• Specialized lungs for holding breath longer.

• Long tails for balance.

• Fringed toes that increase surface area.

• Webbed feet for better swimming.

What is the main challenge for humans trying to run on water?

• Maintaining balance on slippery surfaces.

• Avoiding water resistance entirely.

• Finding shoes that are waterproof.

• Generating enough force to counteract gravity.

Under what condition could humans theoretically run on water?

• In a vacuum environment.

• On a celestial body with lower gravity than Earth.

• On a planet with higher gravity than Earth.

• In a specially designed water tank on Earth.