Properties of Water

Vocabulary flashcards covering key properties of water relevant to AP Biology.

Polar molecule

Water is a polar molecule with partial positive and negative charges, enabling hydrogen bonding.

Hydrogen bond

A weak bond between a hydrogen atom of one molecule and an electronegative atom (usually oxygen) of another molecule; responsible for many of water's unique properties.

Cohesion

Attraction between water molecules due to hydrogen bonding; contributes to surface tension and transport in plants.

Adhesion

Attraction between water and other substances; aids capillary action and wetting surfaces.

Surface tension

The cohesive forces at the surface of water, making it behave as if covered with a tight 'skin'.

High specific heat

Water's ability to absorb or release a large amount of heat with little change in temperature.

High heat of vaporization

A large amount of energy required to convert water from liquid to gas, enabling evaporative cooling.

Ice density anomaly

Ice is less dense than liquid water, so ice floats and insulates bodies of water.

Universal solvent

Water dissolves many ionic and polar substances due to its polarity.