Unit 1: Chemistry of Life — Water and Hydrogen Bonding (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key water properties, polarity, hydrogen bonding, and acid-base concepts from the notes.

Polarity (of water)

Water's uneven distribution of electron density, giving partial positive and negative charges and enabling hydrogen bonding.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom on one molecule and an electronegative atom (e.g., oxygen) on another molecule.

Cohesion

Water molecules bonding to other water molecules via hydrogen bonds, aiding internal transport in plants.

Adhesion

Water molecules sticking to other surfaces, helping water movement up stems and through materials.

Surface Tension

A measure of how difficult it is to break the surface of a liquid; related to cohesion.

Temperature Moderation

Water's ability to resist temperature changes due to hydrogen bonding, stabilizing environments.

High Specific Heat

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C; water has a high value.

Evaporative Cooling

Cooling that occurs as a liquid converts to gas, driven by the high heat of vaporization.

Universal Solvent

Water's ability to dissolve many substances due to its polarity.

Solute

Substance that is dissolved in a solvent.

Solvent

Substance in which solutes dissolve; water is a common solvent.

Dissociation of Water (Autoionization)

Water splits into hydronium (H3O+) and hydroxide (OH−) ions, affecting pH.

Hydrophilic

Water-loving substances that are polar or ionic and dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Water-fearing substances that are nonpolar and do not dissolve well in water.

Like Dissolves Like

Polar solvents dissolve polar solutes; nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.

Heat of Vaporization

Energy required to convert liquid water to gas; high value, enabling evaporative cooling.