Water

Question 1

Describe adhesion of water

Answer 1

Water molecules stick to other things. For example, an emptied glass is still wet

Question 2

Why is water a good solvent

Answer 2

As a polar molecule, it is able to pull a positive ion away from a negative ion, ie. the oxygen attracted the cation and the hydrogen attracts the anion

Question 3

Describe water’s density

Answer 3

Water is less dense in solid form than liquid, and is most dense at 4 degrees

Question 4

Why is water’s density important in nature

Answer 4

Because water is less dense as ice, it rises to the surface of a lake and organisms can still survive beneath it

Question 5

Why is water’s high specific heat capacity important in nature

Answer 5

it takes a huge amount of energy to raise water’s temperature by one degree and so water temperature doesn’t fluctuate hugely, allowing organisms to have a stable habitat

Question 6

Why is it important that water is transparent

Answer 6

So water dwelling plants can photosynthesise

Question 7

Describe buoyancy in water

Answer 7

Water supports the body mass of large aquatic animals as well as allowing things to float on its surface

Question 8

Describe water’s uses as a metabolite

Answer 8

A reactant in photosynthesis
Used in hydrolysis reactions
Product of condensation reactions