Questions and Answers
What is the definition of a universal solvent?
What happens due to hydrogen bonding that leads to cohesion in water?
Water can stick to itself.
What is adhesion in the context of water?
Water sticks to other surfaces.
High surface tension in water is created by cohesion and adhesion working together.
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What is capillary action?
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What does high specific heat mean for water?
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What happens to water molecules when they reach freezing point?
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Study Notes
Properties of Water
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Universal Solvent
- Water can dissolve numerous ionic and polar molecules.
- Essential for life, enabling organisms to absorb nutrients efficiently.
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Cohesion
- Hydrogen bonding causes water molecules to stick to each other.
- Facilitates water flow and enables it to adhere to surfaces.
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Adhesion
- Water's ability to stick to other materials.
- Important for processes such as the flow of rivers, dependent on cohesion.
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High Surface Tension
- Results from the interactions of cohesion and adhesion.
- Stronger hydrogen bonds at the surface create resistance.
- Allows small insects to walk on water without sinking.
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Capillary Action
- Driven by cohesion and adhesion, allows water to move against gravity.
- Essential for transporting water in plants, specifically through the xylem to leaves.
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High Specific Heat
- Water requires a significant amount of heat energy to change temperature.
- This property moderates environmental temperatures, allowing ecosystems to thrive.
- High heat of vaporization means evaporation takes considerable time, influencing climate regulation.
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Low Density as a Solid
- Upon freezing, water molecules form a spaced-out crystalline structure, resulting in lower density as ice.
- Ice acts as an insulating layer, protecting aquatic life during cold temperatures.
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Description
Explore the essential properties of water through these flashcards. Each card highlights a key characteristic, such as water's role as a universal solvent and its cohesion and adhesion abilities. Perfect for students learning about the significance of water in biological systems.
