Adhesion, Cohesion & Surface Tension

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick to one another. For example, water molecules are attracted to each other, which causes water droplets to form a spherical shape.

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between different types of molecules. For instance, water molecules can stick to the surface of a glass.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the property of a liquid that allows it to resist an external force, due to the cohesive nature of its molecules. It is why water beads up on surfaces.

Front

What are hydrogen bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another molecule. They are responsible for the unique properties of water.

Front

What two elements make up water?

Back

Water is made up of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

Front

Why do water droplets take a spherical shape?

Back

Water droplets take a spherical shape because of cohesion, which pulls the water molecules together.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

What is the difference between adhesion and cohesion?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between different substances, while cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule that has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, like water.

Front

What is the universal solvent?

Back

Water is often called the universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid.