AP Biology Topic 1.1 Properties of Water

Front

What type of bonds are broken when water vaporizes?

Back

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

Front

Why does ice float in liquid water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds stabilize and keep the molecules of ice farther apart than the water molecules of liquid water.

Front

What is the main reason for water's high specific heat?

Back

Absorption and release of heat when hydrogen bonds break and form.

Front

Why can water have no net charge but have slight charges in different parts of the molecule?

Back

The oxygen end is slightly negative and the hydrogen end is slightly positive.

Front

What do buffer solutions do?

Back

They maintain a relatively constant pH when either acids or bases are added to them.

Front

What is the molecular structure of water?

Back

Water is a polar molecule with one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

Front

What is the significance of water's polarity?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to form hydrogen bonds, which are crucial for many biological processes.

Front

How does water's high heat of vaporization benefit living organisms?

Back

It helps regulate temperature in organisms and environments.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, which allows for surface tension.

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, which helps in capillary action.