Which property of water allows it to form bonds with similar molecules?

Study for the Penn Foster Biology – The Cell Test. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare to succeed on your exam!

The property of water that allows it to form bonds with similar molecules is cohesion. This property arises from water's molecular structure and the polarity of its molecules, which leads to hydrogen bonding between water molecules. Cohesion causes water molecules to be attracted to each other, resulting in phenomena such as water droplets forming on surfaces and the ability of water to pull itself up through narrow spaces, like in plant roots. This strong intermolecular attraction is crucial for various biological processes, including the transport of water in plants and the stability of water's surface tension.

The other properties mentioned, such as high heat capacity, adhesion, and solvency, while also critical characteristics of water, serve different functions. High heat capacity refers to water's ability to absorb and retain heat, which is important for regulating temperature in biological systems. Adhesion involves the attraction between water molecules and different substances, allowing water to cling to surfaces, which is crucial for processes like capillary action. Solvency describes water's ability to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent for biochemical reactions. However, these properties do not specifically explain the attraction between similar molecules as cohesiveness does.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy