Chemistry of Water

Question 1

Foundational elements of organic molecules

Answer 1

CHO - Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen

Question 2

Foundational elements of living organisms

Answer 2

CHNOPS - Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous, Sulfur

Question 3

High heat capacity

Answer 3

Property of Water

1 cal of heat energy = ^ temp 1*C (other covalently bonded liquids need 0.5cal).

Due to H-bonds: absorb & release heat energy slowly, allowing living things to maintain homeostasis.

Question 4

High heat of Vaporization

Answer 4

Property of Water

The H-bonds of water takes 540 calories of heat energy to be broken which leads to vaporization.

Due to H-bonds.

Question 5

Solvent

Answer 5

Property of Water

H2O is a polar molecule (covalently bonded) and is ionicly bonded with other H2O molecules in H-bonds. Easily attracted to other molecules/compounds.

Polarity of molecules causes solutes/polar substances to disassociate in water which often dissolves them.

Question 6

Cohesive

Answer 6

Property of Water

Water molecules cling together due to H-bonds.

Question 7

Adhesive

Answer 7

Property of Water

Water’s positive & neg poles allow it to adhere to polar surfaces.

Due to polarity.

Question 8

High surface tension

Answer 8

Property of Water

Network of H-bonds allow it to have a high surface tension.

(eg. water strider, skipping rocks, etc)

Question 9

Lattice formation

Answer 9

Property of Water

Less dense as a solid due to change in organization of H-bonds. They spread out, evenly distributing themselves in size and weight.

Due to H-bonds.