Exploring Water's Unique Properties

Front

What is specific heat?

Back

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Front

Why is water's high specific heat important for living organisms?

Back

It helps maintain stable temperatures in organisms and environments.

Front

What type of bond forms between the hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the oxygen atom of another water molecule?

Back

Hydrogen bond.

Front

What is high heat capacity?

Back

High heat capacity is the ability of a substance to absorb and store heat energy without a significant change in temperature.

Front

How does water's high heat capacity regulate Earth's climate?

Back

It absorbs and releases heat slowly, helping to stabilize temperatures.

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 property of water allows insects to walk on its surface without sinking?

Back

Surface tension.

Front

Why does sweating help cool your body on a hot day?

Back

Water evaporates quickly, taking heat with it.

Front

What is polarity in water molecules?

Back

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms joined by the bond, making water molecules have a positive and a negative end.

Front

How does water's polarity contribute to its unique properties?

Back

It allows water to form hydrogen bonds, leading to high specific heat, surface tension, and solvent properties.