Properties of Water

A set of flashcards covering the properties of water, including its molecular structure, polarity, hydrogen bonds, cohesion, adhesion, and capillary action.

What is the molecular structure of water?

Water is formed by the sharing of electrons between 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom (Covalent Bond).

What causes the polarity of water?

Electrons are more likely to be found close to the oxygen atom, giving it a slight negative charge and the hydrogen atoms a slight positive charge.

What are the charges associated with the elements of a water molecule?

Oxygen has a negative charge and hydrogen has a positive charge due to the distribution of electrons.

What is a hydrogen bond?

A hydrogen bond is the attraction between the positively charged hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the negatively charged oxygen atom of another water molecule.

What is cohesion in the context of water?

Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding.

What is adhesion in the context of water?

Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances, allowing water to stick to surfaces.

How does capillary action relate to water properties?

Capillary action is the ability of water to rise in thin tubes, facilitated by cohesion and adhesion.