Water Properties & Importance for Life

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the properties of water and their biological importance based on the lecture notes.

Polarity

A condition where one side of a molecule has a slightly positive charge and the other side has a slightly negative charge, caused by the unequal sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bonds

Attractions where a positive hydrogen in a water molecule is attracted to the negative side of another molecule.

Water as a Solvent

A property driven by water's high polarity that allows it to dissolve polar substances while being unable to dissolve non-polar substances, helping transport minerals and enabling chemical reactions.

Cohesion

The property of water molecules sticking to themselves, which helps maintain the shape of cells and keeps blood flowing.

Surface Tension

A property resulting from water sticking to itself and bending to create an elastic surface.

Adhesion

The property of water molecules sticking to other polar molecules.

Capillary Action

A combination of adhesion and cohesion that allows water to travel against gravity through another substance, helping plants and trees pull up water.

High Specific Heat Capacity

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of $1\,\text{gram}$ of a substance by $1\,\text{degree Celsius}$, which helps regulate temperatures for animals and aquatic environments.

High Heat of Vaporization

The amount of energy required to turn liquid water into gas, which is high due to water's hydrogen bonds.

Evaporative Cooling

A mechanism where sweat absorbs heat and evaporates, keeping plants and animals cool.

Density When Solid

The property where solid water (ice) is less dense than liquid water and floats, insulating aquatic environments for ocean life.