Water as a Solvent Flashcards
What is water excellent as?
a solvent
What is a solvent?
a liquid that other substances can dissolve in
What can easily dissolve in water?
ionic compounds e.g. NaCl as they are made from positive ions Na+ and negative ions Cl-
How can ionic compounds dissolve in water?
as all of the small charges of water add up together
What do the small charges added up together equal?
the charge of the ion so that the ion+ can break free from its partner and dissolve
What is water important for?
metabolic reactions e.g. condensation & hydrolosis
for reactions in the body
it is a metabolic
What is water useful for?
it is useful for transport
What is cohesion?
water molecules stick to each other because of their hydrogen bonds
What does cohesion make possible?
to pull water uphill e.g. xylem or through a straw
cohesion is also responsible for surface tension when water meets air e.g. pond skaters
