PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Water and Solution

1.1 Physical Characteristics of Water

You should be able to:
1.1.1 Elaborate and communicate about water
1.1.2 Carry out experiments and communicate about the water evaporation process
in daily life.

● Water is an essential need for all living things on Earth and water covers about 70% of
Earth’s surface.

• Characteristics of pure water are:

▪ Colourless
▪ Odourless
▪ Tasteless
▪ Exist in liquid form at room temperature
▪ Density = 1 g/cm-3 at 4 °C
▪ Boiling point = 100 °C
▪ Freezing point = 0 °C

Surface Tension and Capillary Action

• Surface tension of water is the cohesive force between water molecules on the surface that
causes it to act as an elastic layer.

• Capillary action is cohesive force between the water molecules and adhesive force
between water molecules and the cell walls of xylem allow water to be drawn up from the
roots to the leaves of plants.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Figure 1: Capillary action in plants

Effects of Absorption and Release of Heat on the State of Matter

• Water exists in three forms, which are solid, liquid and gas.

• The changes to the forms of water is caused by the absorption and release of heat from the
surroundings.

: Heat is absorbed
: Heat is released

Figure 2: Effects of Absorption and Release of Heat on the State of Matter

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

• State whether the heat is absorbed or the heat is released for the given processes.

Name of the process Heat is absorbed / Heat is released

a) Melting Heat is absorbed

b) Evaporation Heat is absorbed

c) Freezing Heat is released

d) Condensation Heat is released

e) Sublimation Heat is absorbed or released

Composition of Water

Figure 3: The composition of water

• Water is a compound, and not a mixture.

• The water molecule is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom that combine

chemically.

• The chemical symbol of water is H2O.

• The composition of water can be determined through electrolysis process.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

• Water electrolysis is a process of decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen using

electrical energy.

• During electrolysis:

▪ Oxygen gas is produced at the anode (positive electrode).

▪ Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode (negative electrode).

Figure 4: The set-up apparatus for electrolysis process.

The Effect of Impurities on the Melting Point and Boiling Point of Water

• Adding impurities into water can change the physical characteristics of the water, such as

the taste, smell and colour.

• For example, sea water tastes salty because it contains dissolved salts.

• The presence of salt in water lowers the freezing point and increases the boiling point of

the water.

• This causes the water that was mixed with salt to take a longer time to freeze and boil

compared to distilled or pure water.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Aim: To determine the composition of water.

Procedure:

1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.

2. Turn on the switch for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, record the volume of gas collected in measuring cylinders P and Q.
4. Test gas P by using a glowing wooden splinter and test gas Q by using burning wooden
splinter.

Observation:
i)
Measuring Volume of
Effect on wooden splinter Gas released
cylinder gas (ml)
P Less Glowing wooden splinter lights up Oxygen
Burning wooden splinter extinguishes
Q More Hydrogen
and produces ‘pop’ sound

Question:
ii) Based on your observation, state the ratio of the volume of gas in measuring cylinder P
to the volume of gas in measuring cylinder Q.

1:2

iii) Why is acid added to the distilled water in this activity?

Acid is used to speed up the electrolysis reaction

iv) Draw and label a water molecule diagram.

Conclusion:

v) A water molecule consists of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Evaporation of Water
• Evaporation is a process where water changes to water vapour on the surface of the water

at any temperature.

• The molecules of water at the surface have higher kinetic energy, thus they can move faster

and escape into thin air.

• Water evaporation removes part of the energy from the water, causing the remaining water

to become colder.

• When we sweat, the sweat evaporates and cools our body because part of the heat is

removed from our body.

Figure 5: The process of water evaporation

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Factors that Affect the Rate of Evaporation of Water

1. Humidity

• Dry air contains less water vapour.

• So, dry air can hold more water molecules that escape from the surface of water.

• Thus, the rate of evaporation of water increases.

2. Exposed Surface Area of Water

• Exposed surface area of water that is larger allows more water molecules to escape.

• Thus, the rate of evaporation of water increases.

3. Movement of Air

• Movement of Air sweeps away water vapour in the air.

• High speed of wind causes the air at the surface of water to dry.

• Thus, the rate of evaporation of water increases.

4. Surrounding Temperature

• When the surrounding temperature increases, the water molecules at the surface

gain more energy, move faster and escape into the air easily.

• Thus, the rate of evaporation of water increases.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Aim: To study the factors affecting the rate of evaporation of water.

A) Humidity
Hypothesis: The higher the humidity, the lower the rate of evaporation of water.
Variables:
Constant: Surrounding temperature/ volume of water/ air movement/ exposed
surface area of water
Manipulated: Humidity

Responding: Rate of evaporation of water

Procedure:

1. Soak two pieces of anhydrous cobalt chloride papers into water until wet.
2. Set up the apparatus as above.
3. Observe which cobalt chloride paper turns blue first.

B) Surrounding temperature

Hypothesis: The lower the temperature of surrounding, the lower the rate of evaporation of water.

Variables:
Constant: Humidity/ volume of water/ air movement/ exposed surface area of
water
Manipulated: Surrounding temperature

Responding: Rate of evaporation of water

Procedure:

1. Soak two pieces of anhydrous cobalt chloride papers into water until wet.
2. Place both cobalt chloride papers on the table as shown in the diagram above.
3. Observe which cobalt chloride paper turns blue first.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

C) Air movement

Hypothesis: The faster the air movement, the higher the rate of evaporation of water.

Variables:
Constant: Humidity/ volume of water/ surrounding temperature/ exposed
surface area of water
Manipulated: Air movement

Responding: Rate of evaporation of water

Procedure:

1. Set up the apparatus as in the diagram above.

2. Add a few drops of water on each cobalt chloride paper.
3. Place slide M under a fan and slide N away from the fan.
4. Observe which cobalt chloride paper turns blue first.
D) Exposed surface area of water

Hypothesis: The larger the exposed surface area of water, the higher the rate of evaporation of
water.

Variables:
Constant: Humidity/ volume of water/ surrounding temperature/ air
movement
Manipulated: Exposed surface area of water

Responding: Rate of evaporation of water

Procedure:

1. Dip three pieces of filter papers in water.

2. Fold the filter papers as in the diagram above and hang on retort stands.
3. Observe which cobalt chloride paper dries first.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

Observation:

Experiment Observation

A Cobalt chloride paper S turns blue and dry first

B Cobalt chloride paper Q turns blue and dry first

C
Cobalt chloride paper M turns blue and dry first

D
Filter paper J dry first compared to K and L

Question:

i) What is the meaning of evaporation?

The process whereby a liquid changes into gas that occurs at the surface of water at any
temperature below the boiling point of the liquid

ii) What is the function of anhydrous calcium chloride in the experiment?

To absorb water vapour in air

iii) Give three applications of evaporation of water in food processing.

Make dry fish, produce milk powder, produce salt

Conclusion:

Humidity, surrounding temperature, and air movement affect the rate of evaporation of water.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

- Clothes hung on clothes lines

have large exposed surface - Sea salt is obtained from the
areas. evaporation of seawater.
- So, the clothes will dry faster.

Application of
Evaporation of
Water in Daily
Life

- Seafood that is dried can be

- Hair dryer that blows hot air
kept longer as microorganisms
increases the temperature.
cannot survive without water.
-Thus, the rate of evaporation
increases.

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Exercises:

1. State the correct physical characteristics of water.

(a) Freezing point = 0 °C

(b) Boiling point = 100 °C

(c) Density = 1 g/cm3

(d) Surface tension = High

(e) Capillary action =

Present

2. What are the factors that affect the rate of evaporation of water?

Humidity, exposed surface area of air, movement of air, and surrounding temperature.

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 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WATER

3. The diagram below shows the effect of absorption and release of heat in the state of
water.

State whether the heat is absorbed or the heat is released for the given processes.

Name of the process Heat is absorbed / Heat is released

a) Condensation Heat is released

b) Melting Heat is absorbed

c) Freezing Heat is released

d) Evaporation Heat is absorbed

e) Sublimation Heat is released or absorbed

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Water and Solution

1.2 Solutions and Rate of Solubility

You should be able to:
1.2.1 Explain with example the meaning of solution and solubility.
1.2.2 Carry out experiment to determine the factors affecting the rate of solubility.
1.2.3 Explain with examples the meaning of colloids in daily life.
1.2.4 Elaborate and communicate the uses of water as a universal solvent in daily life
and manufacturing industry.
1.2.5 Demonstrate examples of organic solvent and their uses in daily life.

Solute, Solvent and Solution

• Solute is a substance that can dissolve in a liquid.

• Solvent is a liquid that dissolves a substance.

• Solution is a mixture formed when a solute dissolved in a solvent.

• The amount of solute in a solution affects the concentration of the solution.

• A solution can be classified into three types:

Dilute solution Concentrated solution Saturated solution

• Less amount of solute in the • More amount of solute in the • Excess amount of solute in
solvent solvent the solvent
• Can dissolve more solute • Can dissolve less solute • Cannot dissolve any more
solute and form precipitate.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Solution and Suspension

• When two substances are mixed to form a mixture, a solution or a suspension is formed.

• Solution is a clear mixture formed when a solute dissolve in a solvent.

• Suspension is a cloudy mixture formed from undissolved solute particles in a solvent.

Figure 1: Solution and suspension diagram

• Differences of solution and suspension are:

Solution Suspension
- Solution forms when a solute is dispersed - A suspension appears cloudy as the solute
throughout a solvent. particles do not dissolve in the solvent.

- Solution has a uniform colour and
appearance.
- Solutions are transparent because the tiny
solute particles allow light to pass through
a solution.
- The size of the particles in a suspension is
large enough to prevent light from passing
through the suspension.
- Suspensions will settle if left undisturbed
and forms precipitate.

- Solutions do not leave residue when - Suspensions leave residue when filtered.
filtered.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Solubility

• Solubility of a solute is the maximum amount of the solute that can dissolve in 100 ml of
solvent at a specific temperature.

Rate of Solubility

Temperature of Solvent Size of Solute

-The higher the temperature of - The smaller the size of the

the solvent, solute,
- The particles move faster, - The bigger the total surface
- Particles of solute and solvent area exposed to the solvent
fill up the spaces faster, particles,
-The higher the rate of - The higher the rate of
solubility. Factors That
solubility.
Affect the Rate
of Solubility

Rate of Stirring

- The higher the rate of stirring,

- The particles move faster,
- Particles of solute and solvent
fill up the spaces faster,
- The higher the rate of solubility.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Aim: To study the factors affecting the rate of solubility.

A) Temperature of solvent.

Hypothesis: The higher the temperature of solvent, the higher the rate of solubility.

Variables:
Constant: Rate of stirring/ volume of solvent/ size of solute

Manipulated: Temperature of solvent

Responding: Rate of solubility

Procedure:

1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.

2. Stir both mixtures at the same rate until the salt dissolves completely.
3. Observe the salt in which beaker dissolves faster.

B) Rate of stirring

Hypothesis: The higher the rate of stirring, the higher the rate of solubility.

Variables:
Constant: Temperature of solvent/ volume of solvent/ size of solute

Manipulated: Rate of stirring

Responding: Rate of solubility

Procedure:

1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.

2. Stir the mixture in beaker P quickly and stir the mixture in beaker Q slowly.
3. Observe the salt in which beaker dissolves faster.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

C) Size of solute

Hypothesis: The smaller the size of solute, the higher the rate of solubility.

Variables:
Constant: Temperature of solvent/ volume of solvent/ rate of stirring

Manipulated: Size of solute

Responding: Rate of solubility

Procedure:

4. Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above.

5. Stir both mixtures at a same rate.
6. Observe the salt in which beaker dissolves faster.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Observation:

Experiment Observation

A The salt dissolves faster in beaker N

B The salt dissolves faster in beaker P

C The salt dissolves faster in beaker R

What are the inferences of the observations obtained in experiments A, B and C?

Experiment Observation

A The higher temperature of solvent increases the movement and collision between
the solvent and solute particles to fill up the space between them

B The movement of solvent particles is faster when stirred and the collision with the
solute particles become more frequent

C The smaller solute particles has larger surface area to collide with solvent
particles

Conclusion:

The rate of solubility increases when the temperature of solvent is higher, the solvent is
stirred quickly, and the size of solute is smaller.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Colloid

• A colloid is a mixture of two or more solutes that are dispersed evenly in a solvent.

• Colloid neither form a clear mixture nor precipitate.

• Thus, colloids are intermediate between a solution and a suspension.

Figure 2: Solution, colloid and suspension diagram

• Types of colloids and its examples:

Types of Colloids Examples

Aerosol Smoke, mist or dust in the air

Emulsion Milk, mayonnaise, coconut milk and fish oil

Foam Shaving cream, soapsuds

Sol Gold sol, sulphur sol, ink and paint

Water as a Universal Solvent

• Water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve almost all substances – solids, liquids

or gases.

• Water is used as a solvent in domestic use and also as a raw material in the

manufacturing industry, agriculture and medicine.

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

• Examples are:

➢ Fertilisers dissolve in water and are absorbed by the roots of plants.

➢ Soft drinks are produced using water as a solvent.

➢ Water dissolves detergents used in cleaning process.

Organic Solvents

• Some substances that cannot dissolve in water will dissolve in organic solvent.

• An organic solvent is an organic compound containing carbon elements that can be used

to dissolve solutes.

• The characteristic of organic solvent which is volatile enables these solvents to be used

widely in manufacturing aerosol substances, such as spray paint and perfumes.

• Organic solvents must be handled carefully as there are certain organic solvents which

can be harmful to health.

• Examples of organic solvents and its uses in everyday life are:

Organic solvents Uses

Alcohol Perfume, Antiseptic

Kerosene Lamp oil

Acetone Nail varnish, Lacquer

Turpentine Paint remover, Paint thinner

Ether Oil extractor

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 SOLUTIONS AND RATE OF SOLUBILITY

Exercises:

1. The diagram below shows the formation of solution.

(i) Solute

(ii) Solvent (iii) Solution

(a) Label solvent, solute and solution in the diagram above.

(b) If 10 spoons of solute are put into the solvent, what type of solution will form?

Saturated solution

(c) Why is the mixture above in 1a(iii) named as solution?

Because the clear mixture is formed.

(d) If corn flour is added into a beaker filled with water, what can be observed? Explain.

A cloudy mixture / suspension is formed. The mixture of water and corn flour does not
form uniformly.

(e) A student shines the flashlight to the beaker in 6(d) and placed a white screen behind
it. What can be seen by the student?

Light cannot penetrate the mixture.

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Water and Solution

1.3 Water purification and Water Supply.

You should be able to:
1.3.1 Demonstrate the water purification method.
1.3.2 Solve problems in getting water supply for daily life usage.
1.3.3 Build a model and communicate about water supply system.
1.3.4 Justify water sustainability as a key to healthy living.

● Water covers two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, however most of the water cannot be used

directly.

● This is because it contains impurities, microorganisms and dissolved substances.

● Water needs to be purified and treated in order to be safe for human consumption.

● Water purification can remove odour, taste and colour, microorganisms and dissolved

substances.

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Water purification method:

Chlorination Filtration

- Used in liquid form and it is a poisonous - Eliminates big-size suspended particles.

substance. - Does not kill microorganisms in water.
- Does kill microorganisms in water. - Does not eliminate fine suspended particles,
- Does not eliminate dissolved substances and dissolved substances.
suspended particles. - Not safe to drink because it still contains
- Excessive use gives an unpleasant smell and microorganisms.
is harmful to health.

Boiling Distillation

- The boiling point of water is 100 °C at

- Produce distilled water.
normal atmosphere pressure.
- Does eliminate suspended impurities,
- Does kill microorganisms in water.
dissolved substances and microorganisms.
- Does not eliminate dissolved substances and
- Not suitable for drinking because the water
suspended particles.
does not contain any mineral salts needed by
the body.

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Water Supply System

• Raw water is the most used water resource by humans to meet their needs in life like
bathing, drinking, washing dishes and others.

• Water collected from sources such as rivers and rain are conveyed to water treatment
plants prior to its distribution to consumers.

• Substances like algae, bacteria and minerals are removed during the water purification
process.

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Water Supply System

Process Function

Filtration Removes large suspended particles such as tree branches and leaves.

Oxidation Increases oxygen content in the water to get rid of unpleasant smell and
taste.

Coagulation Alum is added so that mud particles stick together and sink to the bottom
of the tank.

Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) is added to reduce the acidity of water.

Sedimentation Suspended particles deposit at the bottom of the tank.

Filtration Removes remaining suspended particles through sand filters.

Chlorination and Chlorine is added to kill microorganisms in water.

fluoridation
Sodium fluoride is added to prevent tooth decay

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Water Sustainability

• River are the main water source in Malaysia.

• However, water pollution makes the water unsuitable for consumption and results to
negative impacts on the environment.

• The main water pollutants and ways to overcome water pollution are:

Water pollutants Ways to overcome water pollution

• Upgrade sewerage systems nationwide

Domestic waste • Educate people on how to manage rubbish correctly
• Improve sanitation facilities in rural areas

• Enforce laws to ensure industrial waste is treated before being

Industrial waste
discharged into the river.

• Educate farmers to use biodegradable fertilisers and

Chemicals in agriculture
pesticides.

• Surround and contain oil spills at sea using National Oil Spill
Contingency Plan Revised Year 1999/2000.
Oil spillage
• Improve air surveillance with the cooperation of Air Police
Unit.

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

Exercises:

1. The diagram below shows a few water purification methods.

Method A Method B Method C Method D

a) Name the water purification in the diagram above.

A: Boiling C: Chlorination

B: Filtration D: Distillation

b) Based on the water purification in the diagram above,

i) which method kill microorganisms?

Method A, C and D.

ii) which method only removes suspended particles?

Method B

iii) which method produces pure water?

Method D

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 WATER PURIFICATION AND WATER SUPPLY

2. a) Complete the flow chart below to show the water purification process at water treatment
plant.

Dam P: Filtration Q: Oxidation R: Coagulation S: Sedimentation

U: Chlorination
T: Filtration Storage Tank To the house
& fluoridation

b) Name the tanks involved in the following processes:

i) Removes impurities such as twigs and leaves.

Filtration

ii) Oxygen is dissolved to remove unpleasant smell and taste.

Oxidation

iii) Alum is added to coagulate suspended particles and slaked lime is added to reduce the
acidity of water.

Coagulation

iv) Suspended particles settle at the bottom of the tank.

Distillation

v) Removes impurities by using sand filters.

Filtration

vi) Chlorine is added to kill microorganisms and sodium fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

Chlorination and fluoridation