AP bio water properties

cohesion

lots of hydrogen bonds cause water to have elastic like tendencies. Results in surface tension and transpirational pull.

adhesion

H2O molecules bond to other (different) polar molecules easily. Causes water to stick to stuff. Causes capillary action.

High specific heat

Takes a major increase/decrease in temperature to change the temperature of water. Large bodies of water help to stabilize the climate.

Low density in solid form

water has a low density in solid form which makes ice float on liquid water which allows life to survive in cold environments.

excellent solvent

water is a versatile solvent due to polarity. it has both negative and positive charges.

pH

measures concentration of Hydrogen atoms in a solution.

more Hydrogen atoms in a solution

lower pH, but more acidic

less Hydrogen atoms in a solution

higher pH, but less acidic/more basic

acidic

0-6, high H concentration

neutral

7, equal H and OH concentration

basic

8-14, low H concentration