Properties of Water Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What property of water allows it to dissolve many compounds?

High Specific Heat

Surface Tension

Universal Solvent (correct)

Low Density of Solid Water

What is polarity in relation to water?

Water is a polar molecule with a slight negative charge on the oxygen end and a slight positive charge on the hydrogen end.

What causes cohesion in water molecules?

Weak hydrogen bonds between water molecules.

How does adhesion differ from cohesion?

Adhesion is the attraction of water molecules to other charged molecules, while cohesion is the attraction between water molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is capillary action in water?

The ability of water to climb from the roots to the top of a plant through small tubes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to water when it freezes?

Water expands, causing ice to float. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water's high specific heat?

It means water does not change temperature easily, which helps organisms maintain homeostasis. Signup and view all the answers

Water has a pH of ______.

7 Signup and view all the answers

What is surface tension?

The tension of the surface film of a liquid caused by the attraction of the particles in the surface layer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hydrogen bond?

A weak bond formed between the positively charged hydrogen of one water molecule and the negatively charged oxygen of another. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Properties of Water

Polarity
Water is a polar molecule where oxygen holds electrons more tightly than hydrogen, resulting in a slight negative charge at the oxygen end and a slight positive charge at the hydrogen end.
Hydrogen Bonds
Water molecules form weak bonds between the positively charged hydrogen of one molecule and the negatively charged oxygen of another, explaining many unique properties of water.
Cohesion
Water's molecules stick together due to hydrogen bonds, leading to surface tension that enables some organisms to walk on water.
Adhesion
Water molecules also adhere to other molecules with positive or negative charges, allowing for various interactions in biological contexts.
Capillary Action
Water can move against gravity from plant roots to leaves through small tubes due to cohesion (water molecules sticking to each other) and adhesion (water molecules sticking to tube surfaces).
Universal Solvent
Water can dissolve many charged compounds, such as salts and sugars. This property is crucial for biological systems, as it allows cells and blood to transport dissolved substances.
Low Density of Solid Water
When frozen, water expands, causing ice to float. This creates an insulating layer on frozen lakes, protecting ecosystems beneath the ice during winter and preventing lakes from freezing completely.
High Specific Heat
Water requires significant energy to change temperature because of the hydrogen bonds between its molecules. This property helps organisms maintain stable internal conditions (homeostasis) despite external temperature fluctuations.
Neutral pH
Water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. This stability is critical for cellular function, as extreme pH levels can damage cellular organelles.
Surface Tension
The cohesive forces at the surface of water create a "film," minimizing surface area and allowing various phenomena, such as the ability for small insects to walk on water.

Description

Explore the essential properties of water through these flashcards. Understand key concepts like polarity and hydrogen bonding that make water unique. Perfect for students studying chemistry or environmental science.