Properties of Water Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the chemical and physical properties of water, solution dynamics, phase changes, and acids and bases.

Covalent bond

The type of bond that holds together the hydrogen and oxygen atoms within a water molecule.

Polar molecule

A molecule that has a region with a slight positive charge and a region with a slight negative charge due to unequal pulls on shared electrons.

Universal solvent

A term used to describe water because its polarity allows it to dissolve most substances.

Cohesion

The attraction among molecules of a substance that causes water molecules to stick to each other, which is responsible for water's high surface tension.

Adhesion

The attraction among molecules of different substances, causing water molecules to stick to other materials.

Surface tension

A property formed due to the polar nature of water and cohesion that creates a skin-like surface.

Viscosity

The tendency for fluids to resist flow, where cooler water is more viscous than warmer water.

Condensation

The phase change when water changes from a gas to a liquid.

Sublimation

The phase change when water changes from a solid directly to a gas.

Deposition

The phase change when water changes from a gas directly to a solid.

Nonpolar molecules

Molecules, such as oils and fats, that contain atoms with an equal pull on shared electrons and do not have charged regions.

Hydrogen bond

An attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slight negative atom, often oxygen or nitrogen.

High specific heat

A property of water caused by hydrogen bonds where water abnormally resists changes in temperature.

Solution

A mixture of substances that is the same throughout.

Solvent

The substance in a solution that dissolves another substance.

Solute

A substance that dissolves in a solvent.

Concentration

The amount of solute dissolved in a certain amount of solvent.

Expansion upon freezing

A property of water where it expands as it freezes to create a less dense structure, allowing ice to float and insulate liquid water below.

Acid

A compound that releases a hydrogen ion ($H^+$) when it dissolves in water, increasing the concentration of $H^+$ ions in a solution.

Base

A compound that removes $H^+$ ions from a solution.