Properties of Water and Solutions

Solutions

A solution is a solvent + solute. The solute + solvent is evenly mixed/uniform throughout the solution. It is completely dissolved. There is no chemical change taking place.

Solutions

In a solution, the solute is dissolved in a solvent. For example, salt (solute) and water (solvent). Water is the universal solvent and will always be the solvent in a solution.

Adhesion

Adhesion is the sticking together of unlike materials. It is what causes water to stick on glass and other surfaces.

Adhesion causes capillary action, which is the movement upward of water like a train. An example of capillary action is a plant sucking up water through its roots.

Surface tension

The tightness across the surface of water that is caused by polar molecules pulling on each other is called surface tension.

Water acts like an elastic sheet, resisting tearing. Examples include paperclips on water or insects walking on water.

Water states

There are three states of water. Solid (ice), liquid (water), gas (water vapor). Water freezes at 30^oCelsius and boils at 100^oCelsius. The process of going from liquid to solid is freezing, the process of going from liquid to gas is evaporation. The process of going from gas to liquid is condensation.

Properties of Water

Water is a polar molecule. It has a high boiling point, floats when it freezes, and has high surface tension.