Properties of water (bio quiz)

H2O

chemical formula for water, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Polar molecule

A molecule in which the positive and negative charges are unevenly distributed

Hydrogen bond

The attraction between a hydrogen atom (with a partial positive charge) and another atom with a partial negative charge.

Cohesion

A property of water in which the water molecules are attracted to one another. (ex. water droplets on a leaf.)

Adhesion

A property of water in which the water molecules are attracted to a substance other than water. (ex. water seeping into a towel.)

Surface tension

A measure of how difficult it is to break the surface of a liquid and is caused by cohesion.

Capillary action

The movement of a liquid along a surface and against the force of gravity and is due to both adhesion and cohesion.

Heat Capacity

The amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of a substance.

Mixture

A material composed of two or more elements or compounds that are physically mixed together but are not chemically combined.

Solution

A mixture where the components are evenly distributed throughout.

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solution.

Solvent

The substance in which the solute dissolves.

Suspension

A mixture of water and nondissolved material (ex. water and milk, blood).

pH scale

A measurement system that indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

Acid

A compound that forms hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. (on the lower side of the scale).

Base

A compound that forms hydroxide (OH-) ions in solution. (on the higher side of the scale).

Buffer

A weak acid or base that can react with a strong acid or base to prevent sudden changes in pH.