Water Properties

Front

What term relates to water's ability to stick well to many materials?

Back

Adhesion

Front

What causes a water strider to skate along the top of a pond?

Back

Hydrogen bonds result in water cohesion (surface tension).

Front

What is the term for water's ability to defy gravity and climb up a tube?

Back

Capillary Action

Front

Why is water considered a universal solvent?

Back

It dissolves most substances.

Front

What explains why water molecules stick together?

Back

One side has a positive charge and the other side has a negative charge.

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 surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the elastic-like force existing on the surface of water due to cohesive forces between water molecules.

Front

How does temperature affect the density of water?

Back

Water is most dense at 4°C; as it freezes, it becomes less dense, allowing ice to float.

Front

What is specific heat, and why is it important for water?

Back

Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of water; it helps regulate climate and body temperature.

Front

What is the significance of water being a polar molecule?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar substances, making it an effective solvent.