Properties of Water: Cohesion and Adhesion

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the property of water that allows water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the property of water that allows it to stick to other substances, such as glass or plant leaves.

Front

What are hydrogen bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between the positive end of one water molecule and the negative end of another, responsible for water's unique properties.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule that has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other, like water.

Front

How does water's cohesion affect its surface tension?

Back

Water's cohesion creates surface tension, allowing it to resist external force and enabling small objects to float on its surface.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, due to the combination of cohesion and adhesion.

Front

Why does water form droplets on a leaf?

Back

Water forms droplets on a leaf due to adhesion to the leaf surface and cohesion among water molecules.

Front

How does adhesion contribute to water's movement in plants?

Back

Adhesion helps water stick to the walls of plant vessels, aiding in the upward movement of water from roots to leaves.

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 significant temperature changes, stabilizing climates.

Front

How does temperature affect the density of water?

Back

Water is most dense at 4°C; as it cools further to freezing, it becomes less dense, causing ice to float.