The Properties of Water
Why won't plants and trees wouldn't survive without capillary action?
Capillary action helps the water flow upward through the roots of plants and trees, transporting important nutrients and minerals along with water itself. But after gravity pushes down on the water, the forces of cohesion and adhesion pull the water upward to the furthest leaf.
What 2 properties of water make capillary action possible?
Cohesion causes the water molecules to stick to each other and adhesion causes an upward force along the edge of the liquid which turns upward (also called meniscus). The surface tension keeps the surface intact.
How does cohesion and adhesion create water droplets that stick to things?
Cohesion creates surface tension on water, by holding hydrogen bonds together. On the other hand, water is also attracted to other molecules which causes the adhesive properties to pull the water toward other molecules. On top of that, gravity tries to pull against cohesion and adhesion to make the water droplet fall down.
Why is water being a universal solvent important to living things?
Because water is capable of dissolving many substances, it also carries along important minerals, chemicals, and nutrients everywhere it goes, even in our bodies.
What is capillary action?
It is the movement of water through another material against an opposing force (such as gravity) using the force of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension.
What is a 'polar' arrangement?
It is when one end of a molecule has a positive charge, and the other end has a negative charge. Water has a positive charge on the hydrogen side and a negative charge on the oxygen side.
What causes surface tension?
The cohesive properties cause surface tension and it allows the water to resist external forces. The water molecules at the surface are connected to molecules on the sides and below, but not above. As a result, they exhibit stronger attraction to the molecules associated directly with them. The layer of strongly bonded water molecules creates a barrier between the atmosphere and the water. As long as the object doesn't break this bond, it will "float".
Why does salt dissolve in water so easily?
The polarity of water allows it to be attracted to many different types of molecules, such as salt. Because it is so heavily attracted to salt, water can disrupt the attractive forces connecting sodium and chloride in the salt and dissolve it.
Why is water called a universal solvent?
Water has the ability to dissolve more substances compared to other liquids.
What is adhesion?
Water is attracted to other substances
What is cohesion?
Water is attracted to water
What is another everyday example of capillary action?
When you dip a corner of a paper towel into a water, the water spreads and "climbs up" the paper towel. This is an example of capillary action because the cohesive properties allow water to bring the other water molecules together, and the water sticks to the surface of the paper towel because of its adhesive property.