Properties of Water

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the properties and significance of water in biology.

Water

A polar molecule essential for all forms of life, making up ¾ of the Earth's surface.

Polar Molecule

A molecule that has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, allowing it to interact with other polar substances.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak bonds that form between a hydrogen atom in one water molecule and an oxygen atom in another water molecule, crucial for water's unique properties.

Cohesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to each other, which contributes to phenomena like surface tension.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to other substances, such as the walls of xylem vessels in plants, helping them move against gravity.

Surface Tension

The elastic-like force at the surface of water caused by cohesive forces, allowing some insects to walk on water.

High Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance; water can absorb a lot of heat without a large temperature increase.

Solvent

A substance that can dissolve other substances; water is known as a powerful solvent for polar molecules and ionic compounds.

Evaporation

The process by which water molecules transition from a liquid to gas, helping to cool the environment as higher energy molecules leave.

Density of Ice

Water expands when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float and insulate bodies of water.