Properties of Seawater Flashcards
(35 cards)
What type of bond holds water molecules together?
Water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds.
What is unique about the structure of water?
Water molecules have an asymmetrical shape, with two hydrogen atoms at one end and a separating angle of 105°.
What is the dipole structure of water?
The dipole structure means that water has a positive side and a negative side.
What is responsible for many unique properties of water?
Hydrogen bonding
How does solid water (ice) differ from liquid water?
Solid water consists of ordered molecules tightly bonded in a hexagonal structure, while liquid water consists of molecules that move relative to one another.
Why is liquid water denser than ice?
has more hydrogen bonds that allow molecules to be more closely packed, especially at lower temperatures.
What is adhesion in relation to water?
Adhesion is the tendency of water molecules to stick to other substances.
What is cohesion in relation to water?
Cohesion is the ability of water molecules to stick to each other.
What contributes to the high surface tension of water?
The chainlike molecular structure and hydrogen bonding contribute to the high surface tension of water.
What is the importance of heat capacity in water?
Water has a high heat capacity, meaning a significant amount of heat is needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by 1°C.
What is hydration in terms of dissolved salts in water?
Hydration is the process of water surrounding ions in a salt molecule, neutralizing the ionic bonds holding the molecule together.
What are the main components of seawater?
The main components of seawater include salts, nutrients, gases, trace elements, and organic compounds.
What is the dominant salt in seawater?
Sodium chloride (NaCl) comprises 86% of oceanic salt.
What does the principle of Constant Proportion state?
It states that the relative proportions of ions in seawater remain constant, even though the absolute amount of salt can vary.
What common units are used to measure salinity?
Salinity is often measured in parts per thousand (ppt) or in grams per kilogram (g/kg).
What is considered absolute salinity?
Absolute salinity refers to the mass of material dissolved in one kilogram of seawater after the water has evaporated.
What inputs affect ocean salinity?
Weathering of rocks, reaction of lava with seawater, and freshwater runoff from rivers are inputs affecting ocean salinity.
What outputs contribute to the changes in ocean salinity?
Wind-blown spray, adsorption of ions onto clays, shell formation, and sedimentation contribute to outputs affecting ocean salinity.
How is seawater density determined?
Seawater density is determined by temperature, salinity, and pressure.
What formulas are used to describe oceanographic pressure?
The total pressure is the sum of sea pressure and atmospheric pressure.
What are the typical specific heat values for seawater and air?
The specific heat of seawater is around 3930 J/kg K, while for air it’s around 1000 J/kg K.
What temperature does seawater typically freeze?
Seawater typically freezes around ~1.7°C, depending on salinity.
How does seasonal solar radiation affect water?
Seasonal solar radiation can drive thermal stratification and mixing patterns in the water column.
What does a salinity minimum indicate?
A salinity minimum indicates layers of water with distinct salinity levels, often associated with specific oceanic conditions.
