Water and Soil Characteristics

Educational flashcards covering the physical and chemical properties of water, the orientation of hydrogen bonds in ice, the role of soil as an abiotic factor, and the different types of weathering.

Physical Properties of Water

Water is a substance that is tasteless, colorless, and odourless.

Water Thermal Thresholds

Water freezes at $0^{\circ}C$ and boils at $100^{\circ}C$.

Chemical Stability of Water

A stable substance that can act as both acids and base.

Water Hydrating Tendency

Water has a strong hydrating tendency and can dissolve many compounds.

Ice Density

Ice is less dense than water, which is important for aquatic organisms as it prevents being frozen in deep bodies of water.

Hydrogen Bond Orientation (Freezing)

When water freezes, hydrogen bonds are oriented in a way that pushes water molecules farther apart compared to liquid water, resulting in lower density.

Soil (Abiotic Factor)

An abiotic factor that acts as an anchor for plants and provides them with mineral nutrients.

Soil Organisms

Soil provides a home for many organisms such as earthworms, rodents, and fungi.

Weathering

The process by which rocks are brokken down into gravel, sand, silt, and Kley.

Biological Weathering

A type of weathering resulting from the actions of animal or plants.

Chemical Weathering

A type of weathering resulting from the action of water and other chemicals dissolving or reacting with chemicals.