Properties of Water

Front

What is adhesion?

Back

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Front

What is cohesion?

Back

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules to other water molecules.

Front

Why can small insects walk on water?

Back

Small insects can walk on water because they are light enough not to break the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules together.

Front

What is surface tension?

Back

Surface tension is the cohesive force that causes the surface of water to behave like a stretched elastic membrane.

Front

What is capillary action?

Back

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, due to adhesion and cohesion.

Front

How does water's polarity affect its properties?

Back

Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it a universal solvent.

Front

What is the significance of hydrogen bonds in water?

Back

Hydrogen bonds give water its unique properties, such as high surface tension, cohesion, and adhesion.

Front

What happens when water sticks to a leaf?

Back

When water sticks to a leaf, it is an example of adhesion.

Front

What is an example of cohesion in water?

Back

An example of cohesion is water droplets forming on a surface.

Front

How does water's adhesion contribute to capillary action?

Back

Water's adhesion to the walls of a narrow tube helps it climb upward against gravity.