2.1.2: Water

Question 1

What is a solvent?

Answer 1

A substance in which other substances dissolve.

Examples include water, alcohol, and acetone.

Question 2

What makes water a good solvent?

Answer 2

Many substances dissolve in it due to its polar nature.

Water’s polarity allows it to interact with various solutes.

Question 3

What are hydrophilic molecules?

Answer 3

Molecules that are attracted to water and dissolve readily in it.

Often polar or charged molecules.

Question 4

What are hydrophobic molecules?

Answer 4

Non-polar molecules that cannot dissolve in water and are repelled by it.

Examples include lipids.

Question 5

What is the role of water in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Answer 5

Water acts as the main component of cytosol, allowing many solutes to dissolve and be transported.

This is essential for cellular functions.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Water is a good solvent because it is _______.

Answer 6

[polar]

Question 7

True or False: Hydrophilic molecules are repelled by water.

Answer 7

False

Hydrophilic molecules are attracted to water.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Molecules that cannot dissolve in water are called _______.

Answer 8

[hydrophobic]

Question 9

What charges do hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water carry?

Answer 9

Hydrogen atoms have a slight positive charge, and oxygen atoms have a slight negative charge.

This charge distribution contributes to water’s polarity.