Water Properties & PH

Why is water known as the universal solvent?

It dissolves the most substances more than any other liquid on Earth

Why is water a good solvent?

it has a bent shape/polar shape, both negative and positive charges

Hydrolysis Reaction

water is added to break bonds

Dehydration Synthesis Reaction

water is removed to make bonds

Name the two thermal properties of water

high heat capacity and high heat of vaporization

How does water being a lubricant affect one’s body?

it helps reduce friction between membranes and organs

Mixtures

a combination of elements or compounds that are physically together but not bonded together

What do acids always have?

H+ (hydrogen ions)

What do bases always have?

OH- (hydroxide ions)

What are salts?

a neutral mixture of an acid and base

pH range for Acids

below 7

pH range for bases

above 7

pH range for salts

near 7

Why is pH important in the body?

it allows the body to maintain homeostasis

Define pH

a chemical measurement used to determine how acidic or basic a water-based solution is

Buffer Systems

help regulate pH by converting strong acids of bases into weak acids or bases