Properties of Water

Front

What allows a water strider to skate on the surface of a pond?

Back

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules result in stronger cohesion at the surface (surface tension).

Front

What is a molecule with electrically charged areas called?

Back

Polar molecule.

Front

Which type of substance is least likely to dissolve in water?

Back

Nonpolar fats and oils.

Front

What types of substances does water, as a universal solvent, dissolve well?

Back

Ionic compounds and other polar molecules.

Front

What characteristic of water allows a paperclip to float on its surface?

Back

Surface tension due to cohesion.

Front

Define cohesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, leading to surface tension.

Front

Define adhesion in the context of water properties.

Back

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

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to cohesive forces between liquid molecules.

Front

Explain why water is considered a polar molecule.

Back

Water is considered a polar molecule because it has a partial positive charge on one side (hydrogens) and a partial negative charge on the other side (oxygen).

Front

What is the significance of water being a universal solvent?

Back

Water's ability to dissolve many substances makes it essential for biological processes and chemical reactions.