1. Properties of Water

2. Learning Objectives
 Discuss the unique properties of water.
 Differentiate between solutions and suspensions.
 Explain what acidic solutions and basic solutions are.

3. The Water Molecule
Water molecules are polar; the charges are unevenly
distributed in the molecule.
(-)
(+) (+)

4. Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bond

5. Cohesion
Cohesion: attraction
between molecules of
the same substance

6. Adhesion and Heat Capacity
• Adhesion: attraction between
molecules of different substances
• Heat capacity: amount of heat it
takes to raise temperature
Meniscus

7. Solutions and Suspensions
Water’s polarity gives it the ability to dissolve both ionic
compounds and other polar molecules.

8. Acids, Bases, and pH
Low pH = acidic; higher concentration of H+
High pH = basic; lower concentration of H+
Human blood
Pure water
Stomach acid

9. Buffers
Buffers help maintain homeostasis in organisms.
Base Neutral Acid
acidic pH
Unbuffered base + acid = _________
basic pH
Buffered base + acid = ________