Puddle facts for kids
A puddle is a small amount of liquid, usually water, that sits on a surface without being held in a container. You often see them after it rains. Puddles can form in dips or hollows in the ground. They can also form on flat surfaces, held together by something called surface tension. This is like a thin, invisible skin on the water's surface.
A puddle is usually small enough for you to step over or walk through. It is also too small to use a boat on.
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How Puddles Form
Puddles commonly appear after a rainstorm. When rain falls, it collects in any low spots on the ground. This could be a dip in a road, a crack in the pavement, or a natural hollow in a field. If the ground cannot soak up the water fast enough, a puddle forms.
What is Surface Tension?
Surface tension is a special force that pulls the water molecules together. It makes the surface of the water act like a stretchy film. This is why small puddles can form on flat surfaces. The surface tension holds the water together in a small, round shape. It stops the water from spreading out too much.
Puddles and Our World
Puddles are usually temporary. They can disappear quickly as the water either soaks into the ground or evaporates into the air. The sun and wind help them dry up.
Puddles and Transport
Puddles can sometimes cause problems, especially for cars and bikes. If a car drives through a large puddle too fast, it can splash water everywhere. This can make it hard for the driver to see. When the weather gets very cold, puddles can freeze. They turn into patches of ice. These ice patches are very slippery and can be hard to see. This makes roads and paths dangerous for walking or driving.
Puddles and Nature
Even though they are small, puddles can be important for nature. They provide a temporary water source for small animals, birds, and insects. Birds might drink from them or splash around to clean their feathers. Insects like mosquitoes can lay their eggs in puddles. Some tiny plants and creatures can also live in puddles for a short time.
Images for kids
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Reflections in a puddle
See also
In Spanish: Charco para niños
