This document discusses surface tension, which allows liquids to resist external forces due to cohesive forces between their molecules. Surface tension is caused by liquid molecules at the surface being pulled inward more than molecules in the bulk of the liquid. This contraction of the surface minimizes its area and causes water droplets to form spherical shapes. The document gives examples of how surface tension allows insects and objects to float on water and causes water to bead up without being absorbed by some surfaces.