Properties of Water

Front

What type of chemical bond is formed when electrons are shared between atoms?

Back

Covalent bond: A strong, stable bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Front

What property of water allows it to dissolve many solutes?

Back

Water is a good solvent: Water's polarity allows it to interact with and dissolve various substances.

Front

How can water be described due to its partial positive and negative charges?

Back

Polar: Water has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other, making it polar.

Front

What property explains water's ability to 'stick' to other polar or charged substances?

Back

Adhesion: The attraction between water molecules and other polar or charged substances.

Front

What might happen if water had a low specific heat?

Back

Organisms sensitive to temperature changes would die: A low specific heat would lead to rapid temperature fluctuations.

Front

What is the term for the attraction between water molecules that allows them to stick together?

Back

Cohesion: The intermolecular forces that hold water molecules together.

Front

What is the significance of water's high heat capacity?

Back

High heat capacity: It helps regulate temperature in environments, preventing drastic temperature changes.

Front

What is surface tension in relation to water?

Back

Surface tension: The cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface, allowing it to resist external force.

Front

What is the term for water's ability to move through narrow spaces against gravity?

Back

Capillary action: The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces.

Front

What is the effect of water's density when it freezes?

Back

Less dense as a solid: Ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float.