Water Properties Properties of Water 1 Polarity Water

Water Properties

Properties of Water #1 Polarity Water molecules have a slightly negative charge near the oxygen atom and a slightly positive charge around the hydrogen atom.

Properties of Water #2 Universal Solvent Water dissolves more substances than sulfuric acid because of its polar characteristic. It can surround molecules of a substance and pull it apart.

Properties of Water #3 Cohesion Water is attracted to other water molecules. This is called cohesion.

Properties of Water #4 Adhesion Water can also be attracted to other materials. This is called adhesion.

Properties of Water #5 Density Ice is less dense than water which is why icefloats. It expands as it freezes. Fish can live in water during winter.

Properties of Water #6 High Specific Heat Capacity Water can take a lot of heat without its temperature rising much. Our bodies are about 85% water and this allows us to withstand temperature changes

Properties of Water #7 Neutral p. H Water has a p. H of approximately 7 which means it is neither acidic or basic

Properties of Water #8 Surface Tension Cohesion of water molecules at the surface of a body of water causes the water to pull itself into a shape with the smallest amount of surface area (sphere). Surface tension allows water striders to 'skate' across the top of a pond. (Cohesion)

Properties of Water #9 Capillary Action Placing a straw into a glass of water, it 'climbs' up the straw. Water molecules are attracted to the straw molecules (adhesion). When one water molecule moves, the other water molecules follow (cohesion) Capillary action is limited by gravity and the size of the straw. Plants take advantage of capillary action to pull water into the roots.

Cohesion or Adhesion? Explain.