WATER

Characteristics and Properties

WHAT IS WATER?

Inorganic Compound – derived from nonliving things

Most abundant compound on Earth

Found in nearly every living thing

Water is a Polar Compound

Electrical charge is unevenly distributed

Chemical Formula = H20

Electrical Charge of Water

Hydrogen =

positive chargeOxygen =

negative charge

HYDROGEN BONDING

Hydrogen of one water molecule is attracted to the oxygen of another water molecule.

Partial charges cause water molecules to “stick” together.

This bonding gives water some of it’s unique properties.

COHESION

Ability of water molecules to bond to each other

Surface Tension – cohesion of water molecules at the surface of a body of water.

ADHESION

Ability of water molecules to bond to another surface

Gives water the ability to “stick” to other surfaces.

CAPILLARY ACTION

The ability of water to move through fine pores.

This allows water and any substances dissolved in the water to move through the roots and shoots of plants and blood vessels in our bodies.

CAPILLARY ACTION (2)

Capillary action occurs when adhesion and cohesion work together.

Capillary Action in Roots