PROPERTIES OF WATER

Cohesion

Cohesion is the tendency of water molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonding. This property contributes to surface tension and allows water to move through plants.

Adhesion

Adhesion is the tendency of water molecules to stick to other substances, influenced by hydrogen bonds. This property helps water climb through plant vessels and adhere to surfaces.

High heat specificity

refers to water's ability to absorb and retain heat without significantly changing temperature, which helps regulate climate and body temperature.

Universal solvent

The term "universal solvent" refers to water's ability to dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polar molecular structure, making it essential for biological processes and chemical reactions.

Hydrogen bonding

Hydrogen bonding is the attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. This phenomenon contributes to many unique properties of water, such as its high surface tension and boiling point.

Polar

molecule with a distribution of electrical charge, resulting in a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other end. This property is crucial for water's solvent capabilities.

Hydration shell

A hydration shell is a layer of water molecules that surrounds and interacts with a solute particle, facilitating its dissolution in water and stabilizing its ions or molecules.

Surface tension

The cohesive force between water molecules at the surface, resulting in a minimized surface area. This property allows small objects to float and affects how water behaves in various environments.

Capillary action

The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity due to adhesion to surfaces and cohesion between water molecules. This property is essential for water movement in plants.

Transpiration

The process by which water evaporates from plant leaves, creating a negative pressure that helps pull water from the roots through the plant. This process is crucial for nutrient transport and temperature regulation.

Solution

Homogenopus mixture of a solute dissolved in a solvent