Properties of Water

What property describes the uneven charge of a water molecule? (has a negative and positive end)

• Universal Solvent

• Cohesion & Adhesion

• High Specific Heat/Heat Capacity

• Polarity

• Less dense as a solid

Answer explanation

The property that describes the uneven charge of a water molecule, having a negative end (oxygen) and a positive end (hydrogens), is called polarity. This characteristic allows water to interact with various substances effectively.

What two elements make up water?

• Helium and Oxygen

• Hydrogen and Oxygen

• Hydrogen and Carbon

• Oxygen and Carbon

• Helium and Carbon

Answer explanation

Water is composed of two elements: hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical formula for water is H2O, indicating that each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What word describes when water is attracted to other substances?

• cohesion

• adhesion

• capillary action

• surface tension

Answer explanation

The word 'adhesion' describes the attraction of water to other substances, such as glass or soil. In contrast, 'cohesion' refers to water's attraction to itself, while 'capillary action' and 'surface tension' involve different phenomena.

Water is a universal solvent because:

• It can be found anywhere

• It freezes when it gets cold

• It floats when frozen

• It dissolves most substances

Answer explanation

Water is called a universal solvent because it can dissolve most substances, making it essential for various chemical reactions and biological processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

The fact that ice floats on liquid water is due to the fact that water's solid is ___________ than it's liquid form

• less polar

• more polar

• less dense

• more dense

Answer explanation

Ice floats on liquid water because it is less dense than water in its liquid form. The unique molecular structure of ice causes it to occupy more space, making it less dense, which is why it floats.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

When water molecules stick easily to other water molecules, this is called what?

• cohesion

• adhesion

• solubility

• polarity

Answer explanation

When water molecules stick to each other, this phenomenon is known as cohesion. It is a result of hydrogen bonding between water molecules, allowing them to form a strong attraction and maintain a liquid state.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What property of water causes these Alka-Seltzer tablets to dissolve?

• Universal Solvent

• Expansion Upon Freezing

• Cohesive Behavior

• High Specific Heat

Answer explanation

The property of water that causes Alka-Seltzer tablets to dissolve is its ability as a 'Universal Solvent'. Water can dissolve many substances due to its polar nature, allowing the tablet's components to disperse in solution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

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

• Ice is colder than liquid water

• Ice is less dense than liquid water

• Ice is more dense than liquid water

• Ice is warmer than liquid water

Answer explanation

Ice stays at the top of oceans because it is less dense than liquid water. This lower density causes ice to float, while denser water sinks, allowing ice to remain on the surface.

Attractions between the negative Oxygen atom of one water molecule and the positive Hydrogen atom of another water molecule are called

• Covalent bonds

• Ionic bonds

• Polar bonds

• Hydrogen bonds

Answer explanation

Attractions between the negative Oxygen atom of one water molecule and the positive Hydrogen atom of another are called Hydrogen bonds. These bonds are crucial for the unique properties of water, distinguishing them from covalent or ionic bonds.

Which of the following is LEAST likely to dissolve in water?

• nonpolar fats and oils

• polar sugar molecules

• salt made of a positive sodium ion and a negative chloride ion

• all of the substances will dissolve easily in water

Answer explanation

Nonpolar fats and oils do not dissolve in water because they lack polar bonds, making them hydrophobic. In contrast, polar sugar molecules and salt readily dissolve due to their interactions with water molecules.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2