Properties of Water Quiz

Polarity

unequal sharing of the electrons make water a polar molecule

cohesion

attraction of molecules for other molecules of the same kind, hydrogen bonds hold them together and increase cohesion, allows for the transport of water and nutrients against gravity in plants, responsible for surface tension

adhesion

the clinging of one molecule to a different molecule due to the polarity of water, in plants this allows for water to cling to the cell walls to resist the downward pull of gravity

capillary action

the upward movement of water due to the forces of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension, when adhesion is greater than cohesion, is important for transport of water and nutrients in plants

temperature control

water has a high specific heat due to its hydrogen bonds and can resist change in temperature. this moderates air temperature, stabilizes ocean temperature-benefits marine life, organisms can resist changes in internal temperature. heat must be absorbed to break hydrogen bonds, but heat is released when hydrogen bonds form

temperature control- evaporative cooling

water has a high heat of vaporization, the molecules with the highest kinetic energy leave as a gas. This moderates earths climate, stabilizes temperatures in lakes and ponds, prevents terrestrial organisms from overheating, and prevents leaves from becoming too warm in the sun

density (floating ice)

as water solidifies it expands and becomes less dense due to the hydrogen bonds. when cooled, water molecules move too slowly to break the bonds, this allows marine life to survive under sheets of ice

solvent

water is a versatile solvent. its polar molecules are attracted to ions and other polar molecules it can form hydrogen bonds with. water can interact with sugars and proteins containing many O and H, and will form hydrogen bonds with it to dissolve it. Ionic compounds dissolve ions