Properties of Water - quick midterm review

Front

What property of water allows it to be such a versatile solvent?

Back

Polarity and cohesion.

Front

Which property of water enables it to move from the roots to the leaves of plants?

Back

Water exhibits cohesive behavior.

Front

What unique property of water prevents lakes from freezing solid in winter?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes.

Front

Which characteristic of water is not a result of hydrogen bonding?

Back

All of the above are a result of hydrogen bonding.

Front

What might happen if water had a low specific heat?

Back

Organisms that are sensitive to changes in temperature would die.

Front

Define 'polarity' in the context of water molecules.

Back

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms joined by the bond, leading to a molecule having a positive and a negative end.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, which allows them to stick together.

Front

Explain the term 'specific heat' as it relates to water.

Back

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature.

Front

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

Back

It helps regulate temperature in the environment, making it crucial for life.

Front

How does water's density change when it freezes?

Back

Water becomes less dense when it freezes, which is why ice floats on water.