Properties of Water

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the tightness across the surface of water that allows objects, like paper clips, to float. It is caused by the cohesive forces between water molecules.

Front

What property of water allows it to dissolve many substances?

Back

The Universal Solvent property of water allows it to dissolve many substances due to its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is adhesion in the context of water?

Back

Adhesion is the property of water that describes its attraction to other substances, allowing it to climb up surfaces or wet them.

Front

What is cohesion in the context of water?

Back

Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules themselves, which is responsible for phenomena like surface tension.

Front

What happens to water when it freezes?

Back

Water expands upon freezing, which is unusual for most substances. This is due to the hydrogen bonds forming a crystalline structure.

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 adhesion and cohesion.

Front

Why can small insects walk on water?

Back

Small insects can walk on water because they are light enough not to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules, allowing them to utilize surface tension.

Front

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

Back

Water's high specific heat means it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature, which helps regulate climate and body temperature.

Front

How does water's polarity affect its interactions with other molecules?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to interact with other polar molecules and ions, making it an effective solvent for many substances.

Front

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between water molecules that contribute to water's unique properties, such as cohesion, adhesion, and high specific heat.