Properties of Water

Front

What are the unique properties of water?

Back

1. Frozen water floats on liquid water. 2. Water covers most of the Earth’s surface and retains a large amount of heat. 3. Water molecules stick to each other through hydrogen bonds.

Front

Which property of water allows ice to float?

Back

Frozen water is less dense than liquid water.

Front

What type of bond forms between water molecules?

Back

Hydrogen bonds.

Front

Why is water considered a polar molecule?

Back

The unequal sharing of electrons gives the water molecule a slight negative charge near its oxygen atom and a slight positive charge near its hydrogen atoms.

Front

What two elements make up water?

Back

Hydrogen and oxygen.

Front

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

Back

It allows water to absorb and retain heat, moderating climate and supporting life.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Front

How does water's polarity affect its solvent properties?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, making it a universal solvent.

Front

What is surface tension in water?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of water that makes it behave like a stretched elastic membrane.