Water Properties

Front

What is the specific heat of water compared to other covalent compounds?

Back

Water has a much higher specific heat than most other covalent compounds.

Front

What might happen if water had a low specific heat?

Back

Organisms that are sensitive to changes in temperature would die.

Front

What is the molecular structure of water, H2O?

Back

Water consists of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.

Front

What term describes water's ability to stick to many materials?

Back

Adhesion.

Front

Why does ice float on liquid water?

Back

Ice is less dense than liquid water.

Front

What property of water allows large bodies of water to maintain stable temperatures?

Back

Water has a high heat capacity.

Front

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Back

Cohesion is the property of water molecules to stick to each other due to hydrogen bonding.

Front

What is the significance of water being a polar molecule?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent.

Front

How does water's high heat of vaporization benefit living organisms?

Back

It helps regulate temperature in organisms through processes like sweating.

Front

What is surface tension in water?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force at the surface of water that allows it to resist external force.