AP Biology - Water Properties

What causes the polarity of water molecules?

The oxygen atom exerts a greater pull on shared electrons than hydrogen atoms, leading to a negative charge on one side and a positive charge on the other.

What is specific heat?

Specific heat is the amount of heat a substance must absorb to increase 1 gram of the substance by 1 degree Celsius.

Why does water have a high specific heat?

Water can resist changes in temperature because it takes more energy to increase the temperature at a slower rate.

What does high heat of vaporization mean for water?

Evaporating water requires the absorption of a relatively large amount of heat, preventing it from evaporating easily.

Why is water considered the universal solvent?

Water dissolves all polar and ionic substances due to its polarity and hydrogen bonding.

What happens to water's density when it freezes?

Ice is less dense than water because the crystalline structure formed by hydrogen bonding causes the molecules to push farther apart.

What is capillary action?

Capillary action is the ability of water to flow upward against the force of gravity due to cohesion and adhesion properties.

What is cohesion in relation to water?

Cohesion is the ability of water molecules to stick together.

What is adhesion in relation to water?

Adhesion is the ability of water to adhere to other molecules.

What role do hydrogen bonds play in water?

Hydrogen bonds are responsible for water's high specific heat, high heat of vaporization, and its crystalline structure when frozen.