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Cohesive forces

Cohesive forces are the attractions between molecules of the same substance. These forces help hold the substance together, giving it stability. For example, in water, cohesive forces cause the molecules to stick together, which is why water can form droplets and why it has surface tension. This phenomenon is important in various natural processes, such as how plants transport water from roots to leaves or why certain insects can walk on water. Understanding cohesive forces helps explain behaviors of liquids and the interactions between different materials.