Properties of Water

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts regarding the properties of water.

Water (H2O)

A molecule formed by bonding two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom.

Molecular Weight of Water

The molecular weight of water is 18 g mol^{-1}.

Polar Molecule

A water molecule that has a negative charge near the oxygen atom and a positive charge near the hydrogen atoms.

Hydrogen Bond

An attraction between the polar ends of water molecules that leads to cohesion.

Surface Tension

The property of water that gives it the highest surface tension of all common liquids due to cohesion.

Thermal Expansion

The phenomenon where water expands upon freezing, causing ice to float.

Latent Heat

The amount of heat required to change the phase of water, significant during melting and evaporation.

Heat Capacity

The property of water that allows it to moderate temperature changes due to its high heat capacity.

Dissolving Power

Water is known as the best solvent because all substances dissolve in it.

Transparency of Water

Water is highly transparent in visible light but low in UV and infrared ranges, affecting solar energy absorption.