A1.1 Water - Lecture Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the chemical structure, physical properties, and origin of water based on the A1.1 lecture notes.

Polar covalent bond

A chemicaL bond caused by the unequal sharing of electrons due to a difference in electronegativity between two atoms.

Electronegativity

A measure of how strongly the nucleus of an atom attracts the electrons it shares with another atom.

Hydrogen bond

An attraction that results from the polarity of water molecules, occurring between the molecules.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules being attracted to each other due to hydrogen bonds, which can counteract gravity and create surface tension.

Adhesion

The property where water is attracted to any other polar or charged material, facilitating capillary action.

Capillary action

The process of water being pulled through narrow tubes, such as roots drawing moisture above the water line or water moving through the xylem.

Hydrophilic

Molecules that are attracted to water and tend to dissolve in it.

Hydrophobic

Non-polar molecules that are not attracted to water and do not dissolve in it, such as the portion of the cell membrane that forms a barrier.

Metabolism

The chemical processes of cells where water serves as a medium because substrates and enzymes are usually dissolved in aqueous solution.

Buoyancy

The upward force provided by the density of liquid water that allows less dense materials, like ice, to float.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow; water has a low resistance compared to other liquids.

Thermal conductivity

The ability of a substance to transfer heat when a temperature difference exists; water possesses a high ability compared to other liquids.

Specific heat capacity

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a substance; water has a high capacity for this.

Xylem

The tissue in plants used for water transport where tension is transmitted down a continuous column of water molecules.