AP Biology Properties of Water

Front

What allows water to form hydrogen bonds?

Back

The bonds that hold together the atoms in a water molecule are polar covalent bonds.

Front

What is the substance that is dissolved in a solution?

Back

Solute

Front

What do buffers do to resist shifts in pH?

Back

Buffers help resist shifts in pH by donating H+ to a solution when they have been depleted and accepting H+ when they are in excess.

Front

What is a substance that reduces the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution?

Back

Base

Front

What is the biological medium of Earth?

Back

Water

Front

What property of water allows it to have a high specific heat?

Back

Water's hydrogen bonds absorb heat when they break and release heat when they form.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

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

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Front

What is the significance of water's polarity?

Back

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

Front

What is surface tension in water?

Back

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