Properties of Water and Carbon

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick to one another.

Front

What are hydrogen bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are attractions between the negative Oxygen atom of one water molecule and the positive Hydrogen atom of another water molecule.

Front

Why can a water strider skate on the surface of a pond?

Back

A water strider can skate along the top of a pond because hydrogen bonds result in water cohesion, creating surface tension.

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

Water is considered a universal solvent because it can dissolve most substances.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the movement of water up a thin tube, such as the xylem in plants, due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the tendency of different kinds of molecules to stick to one another.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

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

Front

What role do hydrogen bonds play in water's properties?

Back

Hydrogen bonds contribute to water's high specific heat, surface tension, and solvent capabilities.

Front

How does water's density change when it freezes?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes, allowing ice to float.

Front

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

Back

Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significant temperature changes, stabilizing climates.