Final answer:
Water exhibits high surface tension due to the hydrogen bonding among its molecules, creating a strong, elastic-like surface that allows denser objects to float and causes beading of water droplets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water's high surface tension is best explained by the effect of hydrogen bonding pulling surface molecules toward the center of the liquid. This is due to the high attraction between molecules at the surface of water because of hydrogen bonds. Molecules at the surface experience a net inward force since they cannot bond with air, which strengthens the surface, causing it to behave like an elastic film. This phenomenon allows denser objects, such as a paper clip, to float on water's surface and water droplets to bead up on a waxed car surface.