Properties of Water

Front

What is a unique property of water that allows ice to float?

Back

Frozen water (ice) is less dense than liquid water, which allows it to float.

Front

What is the reason water is considered a polar molecule?

Back

The oxygen end of a water molecule is slightly negative, while the hydrogen ends are slightly positive.

Front

What warms up faster, land or water, due to specific heat?

Back

Land warms up faster than water due to its lower specific heat.

Front

What term describes the attraction of water to other substances?

Back

Adhesion is the term used to describe the attraction of water to other substances.

Front

What are the attractions between water molecules called?

Back

The attractions between water molecules are called hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the property of water that allows water molecules to stick to each other.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the result of cohesion, allowing water to form a 'skin' on its surface.

Front

What is the specific heat of water?

Back

Water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat before its temperature changes.

Front

Why is water known as the universal solvent?

Back

Water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve many substances due to its polarity.

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.