Properties of water

Front

What word describes when water is attracted to other substances?

Back

Adhesion: The tendency of water molecules to be attracted to other substances, allowing it to spread and wet surfaces.

Front

When a molecule has an opposite electrical charge on each end, it is known as what?

Back

Polar molecule: A molecule that has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to unique properties.

Front

What causes Capillary Action?

Back

Capillary Action occurs due to the combination of surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion, allowing water to move through narrow spaces.

Front

What is the ability of water molecules to stick to each other called?

Back

Cohesion: The property of water that allows molecules to stick together, creating surface tension.

Front

Why can small insects walk on water?

Back

Insects can walk on water because they are light enough not to break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension: The elastic-like force existing at the surface of a liquid, caused by the attraction between molecules.

Front

What is the significance of water being a polar molecule?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it a universal solvent.

Front

How does temperature affect the density of water?

Back

As water cools, it becomes denser until it reaches 4°C; below this temperature, it expands, making ice less dense than liquid water.

Front

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions between water molecules that contribute to water's unique properties, such as high boiling point and surface tension.

Front

What is the difference between cohesion and adhesion?

Back

Cohesion refers to water molecules sticking to each other, while adhesion refers to water molecules sticking to other substances.