Study Guide for Water and Its Properties Test
Water is a compound made of 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen.
The oxygen end of water has a slightly negative charge and the hydrogen
end has a slightly positive charge. The net charge of water is unbalanced,
we call this polarity. Water is a polar molecule.
Water has a neutral pH of 7.
Water's range of temperature is 0°C to 100°C in its liquid phase. Adding thermal energy (heat)
to water will make the liquid turn to vapor (gas). Adding thermal energy (heat) to solid water
(ice) will turn it to a liquid.
Ice is less dense than water (this is why it floats).
Surface tension- water's ability to "stick to itself” or the cohesion of water
molecules at the TOP of a body of water
Cohesion- water molecules attracted to other water molecules. The O end
of one water molecule sticks to the H end of the other water
molecule because the + and – ends are attracted to each other.
Remember opposites attract!
Adhesion- water molecules attracted and clinging to other surfaces
Capillary action- the movement of water within the spaces of
a porous material due to the forces of adhesion, cohesion,
and surface tension.
Miscibility- the ability of a liquid to mix with another liquid
Solubility- the ability of a solid to dissolve in a liquid
Solute- substance that is being dissolved
Solvent- substance into which the solute dissolves (Water is a universal solvent because
it dissolves more substances than any other compound.)
Surfactant- compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid. Soap is an example of a
surfactant.
Water cycle- the constant movement of water from earth's surface into the atmosphere and
back again
Evaporation- the process where water changes from a liquid to a vapor; this is the opposite
process from condensation.
Precipitation- water droplets that fall from the clouds to the Earth
Condensation- the process where water vapor cools and changes back into a liquid; this is the
opposite process from evaporation.
** Know the 3 states of matter/stages of the water cycle and give an example of each:
evaporation- liquid to gas- water leaving a cup left outside
condensation- gas to liquid – clouds and dew
precipitation- liquid or solid form- rain, snow, sleet, hail
Remember to always review all of the notes and handouts!