A standard office paper clip is made of galvanized steel. This metal is more dense than water. In an investigation of the properties of water, a student was able to float a paper clip at the top of a beaker of water. Which statement below best explains the student's observations? Surface tension resulting from the electrostatic attraction between water molecules supports the paper clip. The electrostatic attraction between the atoms in the galvanized steel and the molecules of water supports the paper clip. The repulsion of the galvanized steel atoms in the paper clip by the molecules in the water prevents the paper clip from sinking. The surface tension resulting from the electrostatic attraction between galvanized steel atoms prevents the paper clip from sinking.

A standard office paper clip is made of galvanized steel. This metal is more dense than water. In an investigation of the properties of water, a student was able to float a paper clip at the top of a beaker of water. Which statement below best explains the student's observations? Surface tension resulting from the electrostatic attraction between water molecules supports the paper clip. The electrostatic attraction between the atoms in the galvanized steel and the molecules of water supports the paper clip. The repulsion of the galvanized steel atoms in the paper clip by the molecules in the water prevents the paper clip from sinking. The surface tension resulting from the electrostatic attraction between galvanized steel atoms prevents the paper clip from sinking.