Properties of Water

Front

What causes ice to float on water?

Back

Ice floats on water because water expands when it freezes, making it less dense than liquid water.

Front

What unique property of water allows fish and aquatic plants to survive winter under ice?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes, creating an insulating layer of ice.

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

Water is considered a universal solvent because it can dissolve most substances.

Front

What is the term for a property of a system where two points have opposite characteristics, such as charges?

Back

Polarity.

Front

What makes up a molecule of water?

Back

A molecule of water is made up of one atom of oxygen and two atoms of hydrogen.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

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

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the property of water molecules to stick to other substances.

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 water's density change when it freezes?

Back

Water's density decreases when it freezes, which is why ice floats.

Front

What role do hydrogen bonds play in water's properties?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's unique properties, including cohesion, adhesion, and high specific heat.