Valence Electrons and Water Properties

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to valence electrons, bond types, water properties, and the pH scale.

Valence Electrons

The electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.

Polarity

The distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule, resulting in positive and negative ends.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Cohesion

The attractive force between molecules of the same substance, crucial for the movement of water in plants.

Adhesion

The attraction between molecules of different substances, helping water to stick to surfaces.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, which decreases for water when it freezes.

pH Scale

A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

Acid

A substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) and has a pH less than 7.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) and has a pH greater than 7.