Properties of Water

Front

What causes the meniscus in a graduated cylinder or glass of water?

Back

The meniscus is caused by the water molecules being attracted to the glass and adhering to it.

Front

Why is water considered a polar molecule?

Back

Water is polar because the unequal sharing of electrons gives the water molecule a slight negative charge near its oxygen atom and a slight positive charge near its hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is the term for the attraction that causes water and other liquids to form drops on thin films?

Back

Cohesion.

Front

Why does ice float on liquid water?

Back

Ice floats on liquid water because as water freezes, it expands and its density decreases.

Front

What are the attractions between water molecules called?

Back

Hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

Back

Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significantly changing temperature, which helps regulate climate and maintain stable environments.

Front

How does water's polarity affect its solvent properties?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, making it an excellent solvent.

Front

What is surface tension and how is it related to water?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that makes it behave like a stretched elastic membrane; it is particularly strong in water due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What role do hydrogen bonds play in the properties of water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties, including its high boiling point, high specific heat, and cohesion.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and the density of water?

Back

As water cools, it becomes denser until it reaches 4°C; below this temperature, water expands and becomes less dense, which is why ice floats.