Why does water not flow when sitting above a structure with tiny holes in it?

[Guest leonaitken]

Hi there folks, I am deperate to find out why if you have a container of water which has tiny holes in the base does the water not flow through it?

 

Is it because the pressure of the water above the holes isn't sufficient to push the water though?

 

If you can imagine the base of the container has holes a tiny bit smaller than that of a shower head.

 

Is there a scientific term to explain this phenomenon?

 

Please can someone help with this.

 

Leon Aitken

[Glider]

Surface tension. The meniscus layer (where the water and air meet) has a property called surface tension. This is what allows insects such as pond skaters to 'walk on water' without getting their feet wet. If you add a little soap to the water, the pond skaters sink. Soap reduces surface tension. If the holes in your container are small enough, the surface tension at the holes will be enough to support the weight of the water in the container. If you add a little soap, the water will drain out through the holes.