Boucary's properties of water flashcards

Water molecule formula

H₂O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom.

Polar molecule

A molecule with an uneven distribution of electrical charge across its atoms.

Oxygen charge in H₂O

Slightly negative because it attracts shared electrons more strongly than hydrogen.

Hydrogen charge in H₂O

Slightly positive because shared electrons are pulled closer to the oxygen atom.

Hydrogen bond

A weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slightly negative atom.

Cohesion

The attraction between molecules of the same substance, causing water to stick to itself.

Adhesion

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

Meniscus

The curved upper surface of a liquid column, caused by adhesion to the container.

Water expansion upon freezing

Water expands when freezing because hydrogen bonds form a rigid, spacious crystalline structure.

Specific heat capacity of water

High; water resists rapid temperature changes by absorbing a lot of heat energy.

Surface tension

The elastic-like force at water's surface created by cohesive hydrogen bonds.

Universal solvent

Water's ability to dissolve many polar and ionic substances due to its polarity.