Properties of Water

Front

What word describes when water is attracted to other substances?

Back

Adhesion: The tendency of water molecules to be attracted to other substances, allowing it to spread and wet surfaces.

Front

Which end of the water molecule has a slightly positive charge?

Back

The hydrogen end: In a water molecule (H2O), the hydrogen atoms have a slight positive charge due to the unequal sharing of electrons.

Front

Why do large bodies of water not quickly fluctuate in temperature?

Back

High heat capacity: Water can absorb a lot of heat without a significant change in temperature, which helps stabilize the temperature of large bodies of water.

Front

Which types of compounds dissolve easily in water?

Back

Polar and Ionic: These compounds interact well with water molecules due to their charges, allowing them to dissolve.

Front

What are the attractions between water molecules called?

Back

Hydrogen bonds: These are weak attractions that occur between the positive hydrogen end of one water molecule and the negative oxygen end of another.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion: The attraction between water molecules themselves, which leads to phenomena like surface tension.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

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

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action: The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

What is the significance of water being a polar molecule?

Back

Polarity: Water's polar nature allows it to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent.

Front

How does water's high heat capacity benefit the environment?

Back

Environmental stability: Water's high heat capacity helps regulate temperatures in ecosystems, providing a stable environment for aquatic life.