How does surface tension work and what are its effects on liquid behavior?

Surface tension is a property of liquids that causes the molecules at the surface to stick together, forming a "skin" on the surface. This creates a barrier that resists external forces, such as gravity or objects placed on the surface. Surface tension affects the behavior of liquids by allowing them to form droplets, support objects on their surface, and exhibit capillary action, where liquids can move against gravity in narrow spaces.