Water Properties: Cohesion and Adhesion

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the property of water molecules that allows them to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the property of water molecules that allows them to stick to other substances.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

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

Front

How does soap affect water's surface tension?

Back

Adding soap to water decreases its surface tension, making it easier for the water to spread.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the elastic tendency of a fluid surface that makes it acquire the least surface area possible.

Front

Why do water droplets form beads on a surface?

Back

Water droplets bead up due to cohesion, which pulls the water molecules together.

Front

What role does gravity play in capillary action?

Back

Gravity opposes capillary action, but cohesion and adhesion can allow water to rise against it in narrow spaces.

Front

What happens to water molecules at the surface of a body of water?

Back

Water molecules at the surface experience a net inward force due to cohesion, creating surface tension.

Front

Can adhesion occur without cohesion?

Back

No, adhesion and cohesion work together; adhesion allows water to stick to surfaces while cohesion keeps water molecules together.

Front

What is an example of adhesion in everyday life?

Back

An example of adhesion is water climbing up a paper towel when one end is dipped in water.