Why do small pieces of camphor dance on the surface of water?

Small pieces of camphor dance on the surface of water primarily due to surface tension; option [A]. When camphor is placed on water, it quickly sublimes, transitioning from a solid to a gas phase. This sublimation releases camphor molecules into the surrounding air. As these molecules diffuse outward, they create a localized concentration gradient at the water’s surface.
Surface tension, a property of liquids arising from cohesive forces between molecules, causes the water’s surface to behave like a thin elastic film. When the camphor molecules diffuse to the water’s surface, they disrupt this surface tension, creating regions of lower surface tension around them.
Consequently, the surface tension exerts a force on the camphor pieces, causing them to move in a direction away from the region of higher surface tension. This movement is akin to a boat propelled by the release of air bubbles underwater. As a result, the camphor pieces appear to “dance” or move chaotically on the water’s surface.
While camphor does have certain properties that contribute to its behavior on water, such as its low solubility and volatility, it is primarily the interaction between camphor molecules and the surface tension of water that causes the dancing motion.