water

Water

Essential for life due to its unique chemical properties.

Polar molecule

A molecule with a distribution of charge leading to a slightly negative oxygen side and slightly positive hydrogen side.

Hydrogen bonds

Weak attractions between the positive hydrogen of one water molecule and the negative oxygen of another.

Specific heat

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance; water has a high specific heat.

Heat of vaporization

The amount of energy required to convert liquid water into vapor; water has a high heat of vaporization due to hydrogen bonding.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to each other, which causes surface tension.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to other surfaces.

Solute

A substance that is dissolved in a solution.

Solvent

The medium in which the solute is dissolved; water is called the 'universal solvent'.

Solution

A mixture formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent.

Eutrophication

A process where nutrient enrichment leads to oxygen depletion in water bodies.

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-bearing rock that stores and transmits groundwater.

Water scarcity

Insufficient accessible freshwater to meet the demand due to various factors such as overuse and pollution.

Density of water

Liquid water is denser than ice, which is why ice floats.

Hydrologic cycle

The continuous movement of water through the Earth's systems involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Groundwater flow

The movement of water stored underground in soil and rock.

Surface runoff

Water flowing over land into rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Pollution

Any contamination that degrades water quality, categorized by chemical, biological, and physical sources.

Cohesion vs. Adhesion

Cohesion is water sticking to water; adhesion is water sticking to other materials.

Physical vs. Economic Water Scarcity

Physical scarcity is when there is not enough water; economic scarcity is when water exists but access is limited.

Chemical Pollution

Pollution caused by chemicals such as heavy metals and pesticides.

Biological Pollution

Contamination caused by microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.

Thermal Pollution

Increase in water temperature from industrial discharges, affecting oxygen levels and aquatic life.