Guiding Questions
The Properties of Water
- With the use of a diagram or diagrams, explain why water molecules are:
- polar
- capable of hydrogen bonding with four neighboring water molecules
- List four characteristics of water that are emergent properties resulting from hydrogen bonding.
- Define cohesion and adhesion. Explain how water’s cohesion and adhesion contribute to the movement of water from the roots to the leaves of a tree.
- Distinguish between heat and temperature, using examples to clarify your definitions.
- Explain the following observations by referring to the properties of water:
- Coastal areas have milder climates than adjacent inland areas.
- Ocean temperatures fluctuate much less than air temperatures on land.
- Insects like water striders can walk on the surface of a pond without breaking the surface.
- If you slightly overfill a water glass, the water will form a convex surface above the top of the glass.
- If you place a paper towel so that it touches spilled water, the towel will draw in the water.
- Ice floats on water.
- Humans sweat and dogs pant to cool themselves on hot days.
- Distinguish among a solute, a solvent, and a solution.
- Distinguish between hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances.
- Explain how you would make up a one molar (1M) solution of ethyl alcohol.
The Dissociation of Water Molecules
- Name the products of the dissociation of water and give their concentration in pure water.
- Define acid, base, and pH.
- Explain how acids and bases may directly or indirectly alter the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
- Using the bicarbonate buffer system as an example, explain how buffers work.
- Briefly explain the causes and effects of acid precipitation.
