18.12 Water Properties

Front

Atom

Back

The smallest unit of matter

Front

Molecule

Back

Two or more atoms bonded together. Example: H₂O (water).

Front

Covalent Bond

Back

Atoms share electrons. Example: Water molecules.

Front

Hydrogen Bond

Back

Weak attraction between molecules, especially in water. Helps hold water molecules together.

Front

Polarity

Back

Water is polar—oxygen pulls electrons more strongly, making one side slightly negative and the other slightly positive.

Front

Cohesion

Back

Water molecules stick to each other. Example: Water droplets.

Front

Adhesion

Back

Water sticks to other surfaces. Example: Water climbing up a straw.

Front

Surface Tension

Back

Cohesion creates a “skin” on water’s surface. Example: Insects walking on water.

Front

Capillary Action

Back

Water moves up narrow tubes due to cohesion and adhesion. Example: Water rising in plant roots.

Front

Specific Heat Capacity

Back

Water resists temperature changes. It takes a lot of heat to warm it up or cool it down.