Properties of Water

Water is a Polar Molecule

Water molecules orient themselves such that positive ends line up with negative ends and vice versa. This alignment gives water many unusual and important properties.

Water molecules are so strongly attracted to each other that if they are placed on a substance such as wax or oil that tries to get between them, they squeeze together to form a droplet. Surface Tension

The same attraction forms a "skin" on the water as the water molecules interlock with each other. Water Strider Water Spider

Meniscus Formation Capillary Action Adhesion Cohesion is the attraction of water molecules to each other Adhesion is the attraction of water molecules to other surfaces (such as glass or fabric)

Solubility of an Ionic and Polar Solute in Water

Heat Capacity Water heats more slowly and cools more slowly than many other substances when exposed to the same amount of energy.

Because of the high heat capacity of water, regions that are close to large bodies of water are more mild in the winter and cooler in the summer than locations that are more inland.