IB Biology A1.1 Water Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, physical properties, biological examples, and extraterrestrial concepts from IB Biology A1.1 Water.

Polar molecule

A molecule with an unequal distribution of electrical charge, possessing $\delta+$ and $\delta-$ regions.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond formed by sharing pairs of electrons between atoms.

Hydrogen bond

A weak intermolecular force between the $\delta+$ hydrogen of one molecule and the $\delta-$ oxygen (or other electronegative atom) of a neighbouring molecule.

Cohesion

An attractive force between individual molecules of the same type that holds water together.

Adhesion

An attractive force between molecules of different types, causing water to cling to other surfaces.

Surface tension

A property of a liquid's surface that causes it to behave like a thin elastic membrane.

Hydration shell

A layer of water molecules surrounding a dissolved ion or polar molecule.

Specific heat capacity

The energy needed to raise the temperature of $1\,kg$ of a substance by $1^\circ C$.

Latent heat of vaporization

The energy needed to convert $1\,kg$ of liquid to vapor at the same temperature.

Viscosity

The resistance of a fluid to flow; a measure of fluid thickness.

Thermal conductivity

A measure of how easily heat flows through a substance.

Buoyancy

The ability of a fluid to provide an upward force on an object.

Capillary action

The movement of liquid up narrow tubes against gravity.

Habitable zone (Goldilocks zone)

The region around a star where temperatures allow liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.

Embolised vessel

A xylem vessel containing an air bubble instead of water.

Carbonaceous chondrites

Ancient meteorites containing ice, water, and organic material that provide evidence for the extraplanetary origin of Earth's water.

Transit spectroscopy

A technique used to analyze light passing through an exoplanet's atmosphere during transit to identify chemical signatures such as water vapor.

Black-throated loon (Gavia arctica)

A diving bird with solid bones that compresses air from its lungs and feathers before diving to reduce buoyancy.

Ringed seal (Pusa hispida)

An Arctic mammal that uses a thick subcutaneous blubber layer ($5\text{ to }15\,cm$) for insulation against water's high thermal conductivity.

Xylem vessels

Narrow, hollow tubes lined with cellulose that connect roots to leaves and transport water and dissolved minerals upward.