Biology: Properties of Water

Front

Why does ice float?

Back

As water freezes, it expands and its density decreases.

Front

Water is polar because...

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 is the reason large bodies of water do not quickly fluctuate in temperature?

Back

Water has a high specific heat.

Front

What word describes when water is attracted to other substances?

Back

Adhesion.

Front

What is the chemical equation for water?

Back

H₂O.

Front

What property of water allows it to dissolve many substances?

Back

Water is a versatile solvent.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

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

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

It helps regulate temperature in the environment and in organisms.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

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