U6 Q2 Properties of Water

Front

What is cohesion in the context of water?

Back

Cohesion is the property of water that causes water molecules to stick to each other, allowing for phenomena like water droplets forming on a surface.

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the property of water that causes water molecules to stick to other substances, which is why water can climb up a paper towel or stick to the sides of a glass.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of water that allows it to resist external force, enabling small objects, like water striders, to walk on it.

Front

What does it mean for a molecule to be polar?

Back

A polar molecule has a distribution of electrical charge that leads to one end being slightly positive and the other end being slightly negative, as seen in water molecules.

Front

Why do nonpolar substances, like fats and oils, not dissolve in water?

Back

Nonpolar substances do not dissolve in water because they do not interact well with polar water molecules, leading to separation.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often seen in plants as water moves from roots to leaves.

Front

How does temperature affect the density of water?

Back

Water is most dense at 4 degrees Celsius; as it cools further to freezing, it becomes less dense, which is why ice floats.

Front

What is the specific heat of water?

Back

The specific heat of water is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 degree Celsius, which is relatively high compared to other substances.

Front

What role does water play in chemical reactions?

Back

Water acts as a solvent in many chemical reactions, facilitating the interaction of reactants and helping to transport substances in biological systems.

Front

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

Back

Water's high heat of vaporization allows it to absorb a lot of heat before it evaporates, which helps regulate temperature in the environment and in living organisms.