Which of the following statements is true regarding the properties of water related to cohesion and adhesion?

• A. Cohesion refers to water molecules sticking to other substances.
• B. Adhesion causes water to form droplets on a waxy surface.
• C. Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other types of molecules.
• D. Cohesion is responsible for water's ability to dissolve many substances.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the definitions of cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same substance, such as water molecules attracting each other.
2. Adhesion, on the other hand, is the attraction between molecules of different substances, such as water molecules attracting to other materials like glass or plant surfaces.
3. Consider the statement 'Cohesion refers to water molecules sticking to other substances.' This is incorrect because cohesion involves water molecules sticking to each other, not to other substances.
4. Examine the statement 'Adhesion causes water to form droplets on a waxy surface.' This is correct because adhesion allows water to stick to surfaces, and the waxy surface repels water, causing it to form droplets.
5. Finally, analyze the statement 'Cohesion is responsible for water's ability to dissolve many substances.' This is incorrect because cohesion is not related to dissolving substances; rather, it is water's polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds that contribute to its solvent properties.