PROPERTIES OF WATER

Water is a polar molecule, meaning that there is an uneven distribution of charge

Water has a slight negative charge near the oxygen and slight positive charge near the hydrogen atoms.

Water is Polar

Water forms hydrogen bonds Because they are polar, water

molecules are attracted to each other.The negative oxygen is

attracted to the positive hydrogen

Many of water’s special properties come from its ability to form hydrogen bonds

Cohesion is an attraction between molecules of the same substance.

Adhesion is an attraction between molecules of different substances.

Adhesion & Cohesion

Surface Tension Cohesion can cause surface tension. Since the water doesn’t have to bond with anything

“above it’ those bonds are stronger and the water skeeter can walk on it

Capillary Action Adhesion can causes capillary

action Water can get pulled up small

tubes, like the veins of plants

Water expands as it freezes Ice is less dense

Hydrogen bonds push water molecules further apart from each other

Ice floats on water Protects organisms

underneathActs like insulation

The Universal Solvent Water can disassemble and rearrange other

molecules

High Heat Capacity Water can absorb & release large amounts of energy

without changing temperatureKeeps cells at even temperaturesStabilizes global temperatureEvaporative cooling

“Specific heat”

This is my doggie Otis