Water Properties

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the tightness across the surface of water that enables objects, like paper clips, to float.

Front

What is cohesion in the context of water?

Back

Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules, which causes them to stick to each other, exemplified by water sticking to water.

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the ability of water to stick to other substances, such as glass.

Front

What does it mean for water to be polar?

Back

Being polar means that water is a molecule with opposite charges on opposite ends.

Front

What type of bond is present in water molecules?

Back

Water molecules are held together by polar covalent bonds.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often seen in plants.

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 and becomes less dense.

Front

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

Back

Water's high specific heat allows it to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significant temperature changes, stabilizing climates.

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 cohesion and adhesion.

Front

What is the difference between a solvent and a solute?

Back

A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, while a solute is the substance that is dissolved; in saltwater, water is the solvent and salt is the solute.