Exploring the Properties of Water

Water is an extraordinary substance with unique properties that defy typical chemical behavior. Unlike most substances, ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float and support aquatic life. Water's molecular structure, with its polar nature and hydrogen bonds, contributes to its unusual characteristics. These include high surface tension, which enables phenomena like insects walking on water and the capillary action in plants. These properties are crucial for life on Earth.

What makes water an unusual substance compared to others?

• It is the least abundant compound on Earth.

• It is always in a gaseous state.

• It behaves like most other substances.

• It has unique chemical and physical properties.

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Why does ice float on water?

• Ice is less dense than liquid water.

• Water and ice have the same density.

• Ice is heavier than water.

• Water contracts when it freezes.

What would happen if ice were denser than liquid water?

• Ice would float on top of water.

• Ponds would freeze from the bottom up.

• Water would not freeze at all.

• Life in ponds would thrive.

What is the shape of an H2O molecule?

• Linear

• Like Mickey Mouse ears

• Square planar

• Tetrahedral

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What causes water molecules to align in certain ways?

• Their gaseous state

• Their high density

• Their polar nature

• Their non-polar nature

What is the attractive force between water molecules called?

• Hydrogen bond

• Van der Waals force

• Covalent bond

• Ionic bond

Why can a steel paperclip float on water?

• Water is a solid.

• Steel is magnetic.

• Water has high surface tension.

• Steel is less dense than water.

What property of water allows insects to walk on its surface?

• Low density

• Low temperature

• High viscosity

• High surface tension

How does water's surface tension affect raindrops?

• It makes them evaporate quickly.

• It prevents them from forming.

• It gives them a thick skin.

• It makes them float in the air.

What would happen to trees if water didn't have high surface tension?

• They would produce more leaves.

• They would not need water.

• They would be shorter and stubby.

• They would grow taller.

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