Bio.2.a Water Properties

Front

What is Capillary Action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to rise up a thin tube or move through porous materials due to adhesion and cohesion forces.

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

Water is a universal solvent because it is a polar molecule that can form hydrogen bonds, allowing it to dissolve many substances.

Front

What property of water contributes to Earth's ability to support life?

Back

High Specific Heat Capacity allows water to absorb and retain heat, stabilizing temperatures in the environment.

Front

What are Hydrogen Bonds?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are attractions between the negative oxygen atom of one water molecule and the positive hydrogen atom of another water molecule.

Front

What type of molecule is water?

Back

Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has partial positive and negative charges.

Front

What is Surface Tension?

Back

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

Front

What is the Heat of Vaporization?

Back

The heat of vaporization is the amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to gas, which is relatively high for water.

Front

What is Cohesion in water?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, which allows them to stick together.

Front

What is Adhesion in water?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, allowing water to climb up surfaces.

Front

How does water's density change with temperature?

Back

Water is most dense at 4°C; as it freezes, it becomes less dense, which is why ice floats.