Water Properties

Front

What property of water helps to moderate earth's temperature?

Back

Specific heat capacity is the property of water that allows it to absorb and release heat without experiencing a significant change in temperature, helping to moderate Earth's climate.

Front

Why does ice float on water?

Back

Ice floats on water because, as water freezes, it expands and its density decreases, making it less dense than liquid water.

Front

What is a solvent?

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, forming a solution.

Front

What is a polar molecule?

Back

A polar molecule is a molecule in which opposite ends have opposite electric charges, leading to a distribution of charge that creates a dipole.

Front

What causes surface tension in water?

Back

Surface tension in water is caused by hydrogen bonds between water molecules, resulting in cohesion that allows some insects, like water striders, to skate on its surface.

Front

Define cohesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which in water is due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and different substances, which allows water to climb up plant roots and stems.

Front

Explain latent heat of vaporization.

Back

Latent heat of vaporization is the amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to gas without changing its temperature, which plays a crucial role in regulating climate.

Front

How does water's high specific heat capacity benefit aquatic life?

Back

Water's high specific heat capacity helps maintain stable temperatures in aquatic environments, providing a consistent habitat for aquatic organisms.

Front

What is the significance of water's density in its solid state?

Back

The significance of water's density in its solid state (ice) is that it is less dense than liquid water, allowing ice to float and insulate bodies of water.