> We have a transfer of momentum (force times time), but no dissipation of energy (force times path).
Even the transfer of momentum is much less than it would be if the mosquito were heavier though. The droplet maintains most of its original momentum. That seems to be the point they're trying to make.
Yes. Though for the mosquito it doesn't matter: transferring momentum doesn't damage you.
An interesting human scale contrast is the following:
You have (a) a heavy metal box or (b) a light wooden box and you throw (1) a bouncy rubber ball or (2) an equally heavy piece of clay at it. What happens in all four combinations?
One observation: the rubber ball transfers more momentum, but almost no energy.
Even the transfer of momentum is much less than it would be if the mosquito were heavier though. The droplet maintains most of its original momentum. That seems to be the point they're trying to make.