Properties of Water

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the properties of water that are essential for life.

Water

The biological medium on Earth, essential for all living organisms.

Cohesion

The phenomenon where hydrogen bonds hold water molecules together, allowing for transport against gravity in plants.

Adhesion

Attraction between different substances, such as water molecules and plant cell walls.

Surface tension

The capacity of a substance to withstand being ruptured when placed under tension or stress due to cohesive forces.

High heat capacity

The amount of heat required to change the temperature of water, allowing it to absorb or release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change.

Heat of vaporization

The heat a liquid must absorb for 1 g to be converted to a gas, used in evaporative cooling.

Polar covalent bond

A type of bond where electrons are shared unequally, resulting in partial charges and polarity in water molecules.

Hydrophilic

Substances that have an affinity for water, like ions and polar molecules.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not have an affinity for water, such as fats and oils.

pH scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on H+ ion concentration.

Buffer

Substances that minimize changes in H+ and OH- concentrations in a solution, maintaining pH stability.

Hydronium ion (H3O+)

The ion formed when a hydrogen ion (H+) is added to a water molecule.

Hydroxide ion (OH-)

The ion formed when a water molecule loses a hydrogen ion.

Dynamic equilibrium

A state in which water molecules dissociate at the same rate they are being reformed.

Capillary action

The ability of water to flow in narrow spaces against gravity, due to adhesion and cohesion.

Versatility as a solvent

The ability of water to dissolve various substances due to its polar nature.