IBDP Biology A1.1 Water

Adhesion

The attraction between different substances, such as water molecules and plant cell walls.

Anion

A negatively charged ion that has gained one or more electrons.

Asteroid

A small rocky body that orbits the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Atom

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Buoyancy

The ability of an object to float in a fluid, determined by the object's density relative to the fluid.

Capillary Action

The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often seen in plants.

Cation

A positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons.

Cohesion

The attraction between molecules of the same substance, such as water molecules sticking together.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor turns into liquid water, often forming clouds or dew.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Electron

A subatomic particle with a negative charge that orbits the nucleus of an atom.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in biological processes.

Extraplanetary

Relating to or situated outside of the planets, often referring to celestial bodies or phenomena.

Extraterrestrial

Originating, existing, or occurring outside of Earth or its atmosphere.

Goldilocks Zone

The habitable zone around a star where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; substances that dissolve easily in water.

Hydrophobic

Repelling water; substances that do not dissolve in water.

Insoluble

A substance that does not dissolve in a solvent.

Ion

An atom or molecule that has a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed through the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Neutron

A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom that has no charge.

Non-Polar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared equally between two atoms.

Physical Property

A characteristic of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing its composition.

Polar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally, resulting in a molecule with a slight charge.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Soluble

A substance that can dissolve in a solvent.

Solvation

The process of surrounding solute particles with solvent molecules to form a solution.

Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius.

Surface Tension

The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that makes it behave like a stretched elastic membrane.

Thermal Conductivity

The property of a material to conduct heat.

Viscosity

A measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; higher viscosity means thicker fluids.

Water

A colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid that is essential for all known forms of life.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves.