Water Properties

Front

What is a property of water that makes it a universal solvent?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent.

Front

What process does a gaseous substance undergo to become a solid?

Back

Deposition is the process where a gas transforms directly into a solid without becoming a liquid.

Front

What causes coral bleaching?

Back

Rising temperatures cause corals to expel their microalgae, exposing their white skeleton underneath.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal ecosystem where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Front

What does it mean for an object to be neutrally buoyant?

Back

An object that is neutrally buoyant neither sinks nor floats; it remains suspended in the fluid.

Front

Define cohesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which in water leads to surface tension.

Front

Define adhesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and different substances, allowing water to stick to surfaces.

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

Explain the concept of density in relation to ice and water.

Back

Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats; this is due to the hydrogen bonds forming a crystalline structure.

Front

What is the role of water as a solvent in biological systems?

Back

Water dissolves essential nutrients and minerals, facilitating biochemical reactions and transport within organisms.