Properties of Water and Acids/Bases

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the properties of water, acids, bases, and related biochemistry.

Hydrogen Bond

An attraction between an atom that has a partial positive charge and an atom that has a partial negative charge.

Adhesion

The tendency of water molecules to stick to other polar molecules.

Cohesion

The property of water that allows molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonding.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are attracted to water, typically polar or charged molecules.

Hydrophobic

Substances that repel water, typically nonpolar molecules.

Acid

A substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

Base

A substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) in solution.

pH Scale

A measure of hydrogen ion concentration in solution, indicating acidity or basicity.

Buffer

A solution that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain pH balance.

Carbonic Acid

A weak acid (H2CO3) that can dissociate into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+).

Molarity

A measure of concentration expressed as moles of solute per liter of solution.

Hydration Shell

The sphere of water molecules around a dissolved ion.