Properties of Water

Front

What causes the meniscus in a graduated cylinder or glass of water?

Back

The meniscus is caused by the water molecules being attracted to the glass and adhering to it.

Front

What is the process that allows water to move from the roots to the leaves of plants?

Back

Capillary action pulls the water molecules like a chain.

Front

What is the term for the tendency of molecules of the same kind to stick to one another?

Back

Cohesion.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is when water moves up a thin tube, such as the xylem in plants, or chromatography paper pulls water upwards against gravity.

Front

What two forces contribute to capillary action?

Back

Adhesion and cohesion.

Front

What characteristic of water allows a paperclip to remain floating on its surface?

Back

Surface tension.

Front

Define adhesion in the context of water properties.

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Front

How does temperature affect the density of water?

Back

Water is most dense at 4°C; as it cools further to 0°C, it becomes less dense and floats as ice.

Front

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

Back

It allows water to absorb and release large amounts of heat without significant temperature changes, stabilizing climates.

Front

Explain the concept of 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.