2.

2 Properties of Water

KEY CONCEPT
Water’s unique properties allow life to exist on
Earth.
2.2 Properties of Water
Life depends on hydrogen bonds in water.
• Water is a polar molecule.
– Polar molecules have slightly charged regions (+, -).
_

O
H H
+ +

– Nonpolar molecules do not have charged regions.

– Hydrogen bonds form between slightly positive
hydrogen atoms and slightly negative atoms.
2.2 Properties of Water

• Hydrogen bonds are responsible for three important

properties of water.
– high specific heat
– Cohesion
– Adhesion
2.2 Properties of Water
Many compounds dissolve in water.
• A solution is formed when one substance dissolves in
another.
– A solution is a homogeneous mixture.
– Solvents dissolve other substances.
– Solutes dissolve in a solvent.

solution
2.2 Properties of Water

• “Like dissolves like.”

– Polar solvents dissolve polar solutes.
– Nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.
– Polar substances and nonpolar substances generally
remain separate.
- Example: Oil and Water
2.2 Properties of Water
Some compounds form acids or bases.
• An acid releases a hydrogen ion when it dissolves in
water.
– high H+ concentration
– pH less than 7
stomach acid pH between 1 and 3

more acidic
2.2 Properties of Water

• A base removes hydrogen ions from a solution.

– low H+ concentration
– pH greater than 7

bile pH between 8 and 9

more basic
2.2 Properties of Water

• A neutral solution has a pH of 7.

pure water pH 7
2.2 Properties of Water

• Polaritry
• High Heat Capacity
• High Heat of Vaporization
• Universal Solvent
• Density Anomalies
• Cohesion and Adhesion
• Hydrogen Bonding
• Excellent Solvent for Ionic Compounds
2.2 Properties of Water

QUIZ
• Question 1: Scenario: You observe that a small insect is
floating on the surface of a pond without sinking. What
property of water is responsible for this phenomenon?
Options: a) High heat capacity b) Cohesion c) Density
anomaly d) Universal solvent

• Question 2: Scenario: You notice that water droplets form

on the surface of a freshly waxed car. Which property of
water is demonstrated by this behavior?
Options: a) Adhesion b) Polar nature c) Surface tension d)
Hydrogen bonding
2.2 Properties of Water

• Question 3: Scenario: You add a teaspoon of sugar to a

glass of water and stir until it completely disappears.
What property of water allows it to dissolve the sugar
molecules?
Options: a) High heat capacity b) Polar nature c) Density
anomaly d) Cohesion

• Question 4: Scenario: A piece of ice floats on the surface

of a glass of water. Which property of water explains why
ice floats?
Options: a) High heat capacity b) Cohesion c) Density
anomaly d) Adhesion
2.2 Properties of Water

• Question 5: Scenario: You observe that water forms

spherical droplets on a waxed surface. What property of
water is responsible for this behavior?
Options: a) Surface tension b) High heat capacity c)
Cohesion d) Density anomaly

• Question 6: Scenario: You mix oil and water in a

container and notice that they separate into distinct
layers. Which property of water explains this behavior?
Options: a) Universal solvent b) High heat capacity c)
Density anomaly d) Cohesion
2.2 Properties of Water

• Question 7: Scenario: You add a few drops of vinegar

(acetic acid) to a solution and notice a decrease in pH.
What property of water does this demonstrate?
Options: a) Low heat capacity b) Low pH c) High hydrogen
ion concentration d) Adhesion

• Question 8: Scenario: You observe a water strider gliding

effortlessly across the surface of a pond. What property
of water allows the water strider to stay afloat?
Options: a) High heat capacity b) Surface tension c)
Cohesion d) Density anomaly
2.2 Properties of Water

• Question 9: Scenario: You notice that a piece of paper

towel absorbs water and becomes wet. What property of
water allows it to be absorbed by the paper towel?
Options: a) Adhesion b) Cohesion c) Polar nature d) Density
anomaly

• Question 10: Scenario: You add a few drops of dish soap

to a greasy pan, and the soap breaks up the grease into
smaller droplets. What property of water allows the soap
to dissolve the grease?
Options: a) Cohesion b) Surface tension c) Adhesion d)
Universal solvent