Exam 6: Water and Ocean Structure

Correct Answer:

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Answer should include:
• Water's polarity allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other charged molecules. The partially positive hydrogen atoms attract to the partially negative oxygen atoms of other water molecules. The tendency of water to stick to other water molecules is called cohesion. This property creates a "skin" on the surface called surface tension.
• Water also has a propensity to stick to other solids as well. This is called adhesion. When water molecules begin to attach to other molecules, it can affect the amount of energy is needed for a phase change.
• The hydrogen bonds add strength to eater remaining in liquid form. It takes additional energy to change phases. There needs to be an addition of 540 calories per gram of heat energy in order for liquid water to become water vapor. There is an 80 calorie per gram difference between ice and liquid water.
• Water's high heat capacity is a fundamental part of it remaining in liquid form as well. It takes a relatively large amount of energy to raise the temperature of one gram of water by 1º Celsius.
Information can be found in the sections The Water Molecule Is held Together by Chemical Bonds and Water Has Unusual Thermal Characteristics.