water properties

polarity

polar molecules have a slightly positive end and a slightly negative end,water is an example of a polar molecue.

hydrogen bonds

water molecules stick to each other(they are attracted to each other) they are caused by the attraction of oxygen to hydrogen atoms

cohesion

caused by the hydrogen bonds that hold water molecules together

the negative oxygen atom is attracted to the positive hydrogen atom.

surface tension

cohesion causes this

allows some animals/insects to stand on water

adhesion

waters polarity causes this

water molecules stick to other polar substances

capillary action

cohesion+adhesion causes this

is when water rises against the force of gravity up a thin tube

important for plants

heath capacity

as water absorbs heat,it stores energy

takes a long time to heat up/cool down (water)

important for climate and body temp

density

when water freezes, hydrogen bonds expand and spread out

universal solvent

waters polarity causes it to dissolve polar compounds/molecules,but not things like oil(which are non-polar)

whys ph important

organisms cannot survive if their ph isn’t within in a certain range

homeostasis and water

ability to maintain a steady state despite changing conditions

water is important for this because-

makes a good insulator

resists temp change

universal solvent

ice protects against temp extremes