Properties of Water

Front

What is the property of water that allows it to be called the 'universal solvent'?

Back

Polarity and cohesion.

Front

What process allows flowers to change color when placed in dyed water?

Back

Cohesion and adhesion of water molecules.

Front

Which property of water enables it to move from the roots to the leaves of plants?

Back

Water exhibits cohesive behavior.

Front

What unique property of water prevents lakes from freezing solid in winter?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes.

Front

Why can small insects walk across the surface of calm water?

Back

They are light enough so that they do not break the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules together.

Front

Define 'polarity' in the context of water molecules.

Back

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge around the water molecule, leading to a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, which allows water to form droplets and maintain surface tension.

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, which allows water to climb up plant roots and stems.

Front

Explain the significance of water's high heat capacity.

Back

Water's high heat capacity means it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature, helping to regulate climate and maintain stable environments.

Front

What happens to water when it freezes?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense, which is why ice floats on liquid water.