Water Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is meant by “hydrogen bonding” in water?
The attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another water molecule.
How does hydrogen bonding affect water’s properties?
Hydrogen bonding contributes to water’s high boiling point, specific heat capacity, and surface tension.
What is meant by a “high specific heat capacity” in water?
Water can absorb a large amount of heat energy without a significant increase in temperature, due to hydrogen bonds.
Why is water’s high specific heat capacity important for organisms?
It helps stabilize body temperature, prevents rapid changes in temperature, and provides a relatively constant environment for biological processes.
What is meant by “latent heat of vaporization” in water?
The amount of heat energy required to convert liquid water to gas (vapor) at its boiling point.
Why is water’s high latent heat of vaporization important for organisms?
It allows organisms to cool down through evaporation, using a large amount of energy to convert water to vapor.
What is cohesion in water?
The attraction between water molecules, caused by hydrogen bonds, allowing them to stick together.
What is adhesion in water?
The attraction between water molecules and other substances, allowing water to stick to surfaces.
Why is cohesion and adhesion important for transport in plants?
Cohesion allows water to form a continuous column in xylem vessels, while adhesion helps it stick to the vessel walls.
What is surface tension in water?
The result of cohesive forces at the surface of water, causing the surface to act like an elastic film.
Why is it important that water is less dense when solid (ice)?
It allows ice to float on liquid water, insulating the water below and preventing it from freezing completely, thus supporting life in water during cold periods.
What is meant by a “metabolite”?
A molecule that is involved in metabolic reactions.
How is water involved in condensation reactions?
Water is removed from molecules when they are joined together, forming a larger molecule.
How is water involved in hydrolysis reactions?
Water is added to break down larger molecules into smaller ones.
