SC.912.L.18.12 - Properties of water

Front

What property of water pulls water up a tree?

Back

Cohesive behavior allows water molecules to stick together, enabling them to move upward through the tree's xylem.

Front

Why can water striders walk across the surface of calm water?

Back

They are light enough not to break the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules together.

Front

What is capillary action and what causes it?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, caused by adhesion and cohesion.

Front

Why does ice float on water?

Back

Ice floats because it expands upon freezing, decreasing its density compared to liquid water.

Front

Why is water considered a good solvent for many ionic compounds?

Back

Water is a polar compound, which allows it to interact with and dissolve ionic substances.

Front

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

Back

Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb and retain heat, stabilizing temperatures in the environment.

Front

Define cohesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, which helps maintain the structure of water.

Front

Define adhesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, allowing water to climb surfaces.

Front

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

Back

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's unique properties, including cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, and solvent capabilities.

Front

Explain the term 'polar molecule' as it relates to water.

Back

A polar molecule has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, allowing water to interact with other polar substances.