Water Properties

Front

What is the universal solvent?

Back

Water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.

Front

What is the molecular formula for water?

Back

H₂O

Front

What is the structure of a water molecule?

Back

A water molecule has a bent shape with an angle of about 104.5 degrees between the hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

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

Front

Why does ice float on water?

Back

Ice floats because it is less dense than liquid water; water expands when it freezes.

Front

What are hydrogen bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a slightly positive hydrogen atom in a polar molecule and a negatively charged atom.

Front

What is cohesion in water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, which allows them to stick together.

Front

What is adhesion in water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, allowing water to climb up surfaces.

Front

What is specific heat?

Back

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of water that makes it behave like a stretched elastic membrane.