Study Guide: Water Quiz - Honors Biology

Water

A molecule composed of 1 oxygen atom and 2 hydrogen atoms (H2O), known for its polar characteristics.

Polar molecule

A molecule with an uneven distribution of charge, resulting in a negative and a positive end, like water.

Covalent bond

A strong chemical bond where two atoms share electrons to remain connected.

Polar covalent bond

A covalent bond with unequal sharing of electrons, resulting in partial charges.

Hydrogen bond

A weak attraction between separate polar molecules, such as between water molecules.

Solvent

The liquid that dissolves a solute.

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solvent.

High heat capacity

The ability of water to absorb and retain heat.

Evaporative cooling

The process by which water evaporates, cooling the remaining liquid.

Capillary action

The movement of water through narrow spaces due to adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension.

Surface tension

The strength of a liquid to resist external forces.

Density of Ice

Ice is less dense than liquid water due to the structure of hydrogen bonds in solid form.

pH scale

A measure ranging from acidic (less than 7) to basic (greater than 7), with 7 being neutral.

Strong acids

Acids that completely dissociate in water, releasing a large number of H+ ions.

Weak acids

Acids that partially dissociate in water, releasing fewer H+ ions.

Weak bases

Bases that only slightly increase the concentration of OH- ions in solution.

Strong bases

Bases that fully dissociate in water to produce a large concentration of OH- ions.

Buffer

A solution that resists changes in pH by neutralizing excess acids or bases.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.