Bennett Biology - Water Properties

polar

Has an uneven sharing of electrons resulting in a positive and negatively charged end. In water the oxygen end is negatively charged and the hydrogen end is positively charged.

H2O

the formula for water

Hydrogen bonds

Weak bonds which connect water molecules together. These bonds are evenly broken allowing it to easily mix.

cohesion

water being attracted and sticking to other water molecules, like a magnet

adhesion

water being attracted or sticking to other particles, for example, water on an umbrella or the car window

capillary action

combined force of cohesion and adhesion; allows water to get into the pores of a paper towel and move up, against gravity

surface tension

the tightness on the top layer of water due to cohesion

universal solvent

water's polarity makes it the ideal liquid to dissolve many polar substances

solvent

a liquid that can dissolve a solute, ex: water

solute

a substance that can dissolve in liquid, ex: salt

solution

a mixture that is formed with a solute dissolves in a solvent, ex: salt water

molecule

a material made when atoms join together

atom

the smallest part of an element

hydrophilic

having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be wetted by water. (polar molecules)

hydrophobic

tending to repel or fail to mix with water. (nonpolar molecules)

acid

A solution which has a pH lower then 7. Contains a large amount of H+ ions

base

A solution which has a pH higher then 7. Contains a smaller amount of H+ ions, and more OH- ions.

neutral

Meaning the solution contains the same amount of H+ and OH- ions. ex) Pure Water

pH scale

Measurement system used to indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution; ranges from 0 to 14