Water properties

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the tightness across the surface of water that allows insects to walk on it, caused by the cohesive forces between water molecules.

Front

What type of bond is found between water molecules?

Back

Hydrogen bonds are the type of bond found between water molecules, which are responsible for many of water's unique properties.

Front

Why does ice float on liquid water?

Back

Ice floats on liquid water because it is less dense than its liquid form, due to the arrangement of water molecules in the solid state.

Front

What is high heat capacity?

Back

High heat capacity is the ability of water to absorb and store large amounts of heat without a significant change in temperature.

Front

How do large bodies of water affect nearby climates?

Back

Large bodies of water help to moderate nearby climates by absorbing heat in the summer and slowly releasing it in the winter.

Front

What is polarity in water?

Back

Polarity in water refers to the uneven distribution of electron density, resulting in a molecule with a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

What is the significance of water being a solvent?

Back

Water is known as the universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid, which is essential for biological processes.

Front

What is the role of hydrogen bonds in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds in water contribute to its high boiling point, high heat capacity, and unique properties like surface tension.

Front

What is the relationship between water's density and temperature?

Back

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