Properties of Water and Their Effects

Front

Water molecules have a positive _________ end and a negative _________ end, making them polar.

Back

hydrogen and oxygen

Front

What property of water allows it to absorb a large amount of heat without changing temperature drastically?

Back

High specific heat.

Front

Water’s high specific heat allows it to regulate temperature by absorbing or releasing large amounts of heat without ____________ its temperature too much.

Back

changing.

Front

Why is water often called the universal solvent?

Back

It can dissolve many types of substances, including polar and ionic compounds.

Front

Water’s ability to stick to other surfaces (e.g., the sides of plant cells or a glass) is known as __________.

Back

adhesion.

Front

What is the term for the attraction between water molecules that allows them to stick together?

Back

Cohesion.

Front

What is the effect of water's high heat of vaporization?

Back

It allows water to absorb a lot of heat when it evaporates, cooling the environment.

Front

What is the significance of water's polarity in biological systems?

Back

It allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds, which are crucial for the structure of proteins and nucleic acids.

Front

How does water's density change when it freezes?

Back

Water expands and becomes less dense when it freezes, allowing ice to float.

Front

What role does water play in temperature regulation for living organisms?

Back

Water's high specific heat helps maintain stable temperatures in organisms and their environments.