The Chemistry of Life Practice Questions

1. Water is essential for life. Its special properties make water the single most important molecule in plant life. Which of the following properties of water enables it to move from the roots to the leaves of plants?

• A. Water expands as it freezes.

• B. Water is an excellent solvent.

• C. Water exhibits cohesive and adhesive behavior.

• D. Water is able to moderate temperature.

2. Large bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans, do not quickly fluctuate in temperature. What is the reason for this phenomenon?

• A. Water is an acid.

• B. Water is a versatile solvent.

• C. Water has a high heat capacity.

• D. Water acts as a buffer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

3. Why does ice stay at the top of oceans instead of sinking to the bottom?

• A. Ice is colder than liquid water.

• B. Ice is less dense than liquid water.

• C. Ice is more dense than liquid water.

• D. Ice is warmer than liquid water.

4. Water is often called the "universal solvent" because many substances can be dissolved in water. What property of water allows it to be such a versatile solvent?

• A. purity

• B. polarity

• C. high heat capacity

• D. expansion upon freezing

5. What is cohesion?

• water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with

  other nearby water molecules

• when water molecules stick / attach to other substances

• water molecules moving up small spaces / small tubes

• water having the ability to hold onto heat

• water being the only substance that becomes less dense when freezes

6. What is adhesion?

• water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with

  other nearby water molecules

• when water molecules stick / attach to other substances

• water molecules moving up small spaces / small tubes

• water having the ability to hold onto heat

• water being the only substance that becomes less dense when freezes

7. What is high specific heat?

• water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with

  other nearby water molecules

• when water molecules stick / attach to other substances

• water molecules moving up small spaces / small tubes

• water having the ability to hold onto heat

• water being the only substance that becomes less dense when freezes

8. What is capillary action?

• water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with

  other nearby water molecules

• when water molecules stick / attach to other substances

• water molecules moving up small spaces / small tubes

• water having the ability to hold onto heat

• water being the only substance that becomes less dense when freezes

9. 9. What is expansion/low density as a solid?

• water molecules forming hydrogen bonds with

  other nearby water molecules

• when water molecules stick / attach to other substances

• water molecules moving up small spaces / small tubes

• water having the ability to hold onto heat

• water being the only substance that becomes less dense when freezes

9. 10. A cell is _____ water.

• 30%

• 70%

• 50%

• None of the above