Properties of Water

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What is a hydrogen bond?
The weak inter-molecular interaction when a molecule is slightly polar between the slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slightly negatively charged atom
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What properties does water have as a result of hydrogen bonds?
It is a liquid at room temperature, unlike other, less polar molecules of the same size which are gases at room temp. hydrogen bonds also mean water molecules demonstrate cohesion and surface tension. Also means a high specific heat capacity.
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Why is water being a liquid at room temperature important to life?
Provides a habitat; Is a large part of the tissues of many organisms; provides a reaction medium; provides an effective transport medium.
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Why is water becoming less dense when it freezes important to life?
Bodies of water do not freeze completely, instead a layer of ice forms on top, insulating the water underneath and providing a stable habitat.
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Why is water's property as a good solvent important to life?
Molecules/ions can move about react in water (i.e reactions of most cells occur in the cytoplasm [70% water]) and can also be transported when dissolved in water.
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Why is cohesion and surface tension important to life?
It means transpiration can occur in plants and small organisms like pond-skaters can walk on the water surface.
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Why is water's high specific heat capacity important to life
It provides a stable temperature for organisms and enzymes.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What properties does water have as a result of hydrogen bonds?

Back

It is a liquid at room temperature, unlike other, less polar molecules of the same size which are gases at room temp. hydrogen bonds also mean water molecules demonstrate cohesion and surface tension. Also means a high specific heat capacity.

Card 3

Front

Why is water being a liquid at room temperature important to life?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

Why is water becoming less dense when it freezes important to life?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Why is water's property as a good solvent important to life?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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