Properties of Water Flashcards
What three phases can water occur naturally in?
- Solid (ice)
- Liquid
- Gas (water vapour)
What type of bond does water atoms have
Covalent
Describe hydrogen bonds
They are formed between water molecules when positive side of a molecule is attracted to the negative side of the other
What is cohesion?
Allows substances to withstand rupture when placed under stress
What is adhesion?
Is the attraction between water and other molecules
Why does ice float?
Ice has more inter-molecular space
Ice is bulkier and less dense than water and therefore will float
What happens when seawater freezes?
Salts are left behind, meaning the ice is more like freshwater
What can the ocean do in regards to solar energy?
Solar energy can be stored in the ocean and released into the atmosphere without a significant change in temperature
What % of solar radiation is absorbed by the ocean and land?
47%
How does the heat-buffering capacity of water benefit the ecosystem?
Reduces temperature fluctuations in aquatic environments
What makes water move?
Indirectly driven by temperature through density changes
