Science properties of water

Describe the concept of surface tension with water molecules and how do organisms use this property to survive?

A force in the surface layer of water that causes the surface to behave like a thin elastic sheet. It occurs on the surface because water molecules are very COHESIVE. It provides an environment for insects to spend much of their lives, and can stay on the surface because the molecules are so cohesive.

WHY does water have all the unique properties we observe (what is responsible for water being adhesive, cohesive, and a universal solvent)?

Because it is a polar molecule. It has polarity, a positive and a negative end.

What 3 forces does capillary action depend on?

Cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension. It is because water has these properties that plants are able to move water up against the force of gravity.

What does it mean when something dissolved in water?

It breaks down into smaller particles. Can be thought of as mixing in water

Describe adhesion in water molecules (how or why are the molecules so adhesive)?

It occurs when water molecules stick to a solid surface like paper towel and it can move up against the force of gravity. They are very good at sticking to different surfaces.

Describe density How is one substance more dense than another? (Like how are the molecules arranged as solid, liquid, gas?)

Measurement that compares amount of matter (mass) an object has, with its volume. When an objects particles are more tightly packed together it is more dense. Solid- molecules are very tightly packed, vibrating in place. Liquid- molecules move freely amongst eachother and move at a faster speed than as solid. Gas- molecules are very far apart, moving at very fast speeds.

Describe cohesion of water molecules (how or why are they so cohesive)?

The force that makes water molecules attracted to eachother and makes surface tension. It is because they are very attracted to eachother.

Which parts (atoms) of a molecule (H2O) are attracted to eachother? (Which end is positively charged and which is negatively charged)?

The oxygen end of water is negative and the hydrogen end is positive.

Describe capillary action.

The process in which water moves up something solid like a tube or into material with a lot of small holes. Plants use this by bringing up water from the roots, through the stems, and up to the leaves.

What does it mean when we say water has polarity?

Water is a polar molecule because it has a negative and and a positive end

Water is called the universal solvent because

Water is very good at dissolving many different substances

Describe the density of water molecules in solid (ice) and liquid. Which state is more dense?

Water molecules are less tightly packed in ice than when liquid water. Liquid is more dense than ice, which is why ice floats.