Properties of Water

Properties of Water

Structure

The formula for water is H₂O

Has the shape of Mickey Mouse. Oxygen is in the middle and hydrogen on each side.

Oxygen joined to hydrogen by covalent bonds

Weak attraction between the slightly positive hydrogen of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen of another water molecule

Holds water molecules together

cohesion

When a molecule sticks to itself (other identical molecules)

Water is more cohesive than most other liquids

Water tends to "bead up" on surfaces

adhesion

When a molecule sticks to other surfaces

urface tension

Water has a high surface tension

Due to hydrogen bonds

This is why small insects can walk on water

capillary action

Water can climb up narrow tubes

Due to hydrogen bonds, cohesion, and adhesion

Useful for plants and trees

Universal solvent

dissolves substances

Water is able to dissolve most other substances

Water can dissolve anything that is polar

Water CANNOT dissolve nonpolar substances like oils/fats

polarity

electrons

Oxygen shares electrons unequally with the hydrogens

Makes oxygen slightly negative and hydrogens slightly positive

The difference in charge within the water molecule makes it a polar molecule

hydrophobic

hydrophilic

specific heat

Density of water

Water is LESS dense as a SOLID than it is as a liquid.

That is why ice floats