Water Properties & Earth's Surface

Front

What is the property of water that allows it to dissolve polar substances?

Back

Water is a polar solvent, meaning it can dissolve other polar substances due to its partial positive and negative charges.

Front

What type of molecules are least likely to dissolve in water?

Back

Nonpolar molecules, such as fats and oils, are least likely to dissolve in water.

Front

What is a point bar in a meandering river?

Back

A point bar is the area of a meandering river where water moves slowest, typically found on the inside bend of the river.

Front

Where does the most erosion occur along a meandering river?

Back

The most erosion occurs at the cutbank, which is the outside bend of the river where water moves fastest.

Front

How are water molecules arranged in liquid water compared to frozen water?

Back

In liquid water, molecules are closer together than in frozen water (ice), where they are arranged in a more structured lattice.

Front

What is capillary action in relation to water movement in plants?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to move through narrow spaces, pulling water molecules upward from the roots to the leaves.

Front

What is the significance of water's cohesion?

Back

Water's cohesion allows it to form hydrogen bonds with itself, which helps in the movement of water through plants and contributes to surface tension.

Front

What happens to water molecules when they freeze?

Back

When water freezes, the molecules arrange themselves in a crystalline structure, making ice less dense than liquid water.

Front

What is the role of solutes in water movement in plants?

Back

Solutes can create osmotic pressure, which helps in the movement of water, but capillary action is the primary mechanism for water transport in plants.

Front

What is the difference between a cutbank and a point bar?

Back

A cutbank is the outer bank of a meander where erosion occurs, while a point bar is the inner bank where sediment is deposited.