Water has the strongest surface tension of any non-metalic fluid. So for most of the liquids we come in contact with, water is the surface tension champion. Whether you’re comparing it to oils and alcohols or hydrocarbons like gasoline and lighter fluid, water will stand above the crowd. Literally. To learn more about why surface tension works and to see several fun investigations you can do with surface tension, watch Science Mom’s Guide to Water, Part 2.