- polarity: uneven distribution of charges across a molecule making one end positive (H) and the other negative (O)
- cohesion: the tendency for water molecules to form weak bonds and stick to each other
- adhesion: the tendency of water to stick to other substances
- capillary action: the combined effect of adhesion and cohesion that allows water to move upward in narrow spaces, such as from a plant’s roots to its leaves
- surface tension: a force that acts on the particles at the surface of a liquid, causing it to behave like a stretched elastic membrane
- specific heat: the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C
- hydrogen bond: the attraction between the positive hydrogen end of one water molecule and the negative oxygen end of another, forming temporary, relatively weak bonds
1. Circle the letter of each sentence that is true about water's structure.
- a. Water is made up of atoms bonded to form molecules.
- d. The chemical formula for water is H₂O.
2. One side of the water molecule has a positive charge, while the other side has a negative charge. What do the charges indicate about the molecule?
- a. Water is a polar molecule.
3. Bonds that form between water molecules are called hydrogen bonds.
4. True or False? Hydrogen bonds are strong and require a lot of energy to break.
- False
5. The tendency for water molecules to stick to other water molecules is called cohesion.
6. A force that acts on the particles of a liquid at the surface is called surface tension.
7. How does surface tension force the surface of water to curve?
- Surface tension pulls water molecules at the surface inward, minimizing surface area and creating a curved, dome-like shape.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of properties of water worksheet answer key.
