Properties of Water

Properties of Water Polar: uneven distribution of electrons between the O and H atoms Hydrogen end of molecule has a positive. Oxygen end of molecule has a negative charge.

Hydrogen Bonds Hydrogen Bonds: bonds formed between polar molecules. The negative end of one molecule is attracted to the positive end of another

Hydrogen bonds between water molecules:

Properties of Water cont. Cohesion: attraction between molecules of the same substance EX: water droplets = water molecules sticking together Adhesion: attraction between molecules of different substances EX: water moving up a straw = water molecules sticking to side of straw

Cohesion and Adhesion Cohesion Adhesion

Water properties continued: Heat capacity: is the capability of water to absorb heat without undergoing an increase in temperature. Buoyancy – things less dense than water will float Water is unique because its solid phase (ice) is less dense than the liquid phase (the molecules expand)

Properties of water continued: Surface Tention- the surface of water sticks together by cohesion and allows it to behave as an elastic sheet. Allows insects like the water strider to walk on water

Surface Tension Example: