Question 1

Which property of water allows it to absorb large amounts of heat with only a slight change in temperature, helping regulate Earth's climate?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat capacity

Question 2

A solution has a pH of 3. How many times more hydrogen ions ($$[H^+]) $$does it contain compared to a solution with pH 6?

Accepted Answer

1000 times more $$[H^+]$$

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why water is an excellent solvent for ionic compounds like NaCl?

Accepted Answer

Water molecules are polar and can form hydration shells around ions

Question 4

If a cell is placed in a solution with a lower concentration of solutes than inside the cell, what will happen to the cell?

Accepted Answer

Water will move into the cell, causing it to swell

Question 5

Which of the following is a direct result of hydrogen bonding between water molecules?

Accepted Answer

Water's high specific heat

Question 6

A buffer is important in biological systems because it:

Accepted Answer

Maintains a stable pH by neutralizing excess acids and bases

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?

Accepted Answer

$$pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$$

Question 8

Why do cell membranes consist primarily of amphipathic (both hydrophilic and hydrophobic) molecules?

Accepted Answer

To create a barrier that separates aqueous environments inside and outside the cell

Question 9

Which of the following would most likely occur if water were NOT a polar molecule?

Accepted Answer

Water would not be able to dissolve salts and sugars as effectively

Question 10

Sweating helps cool the body primarily because of which property of water?

Accepted Answer

High heat of vaporization

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE about acids?

Accepted Answer

They donate hydrogen ions ($$H^+)$$

Question 12

What is the main reason that water molecules exhibit cohesion?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonding between water molecules

Question 13

A solution with a high concentration of $$OH^-$$ ions is considered:

Accepted Answer

Basic (alkaline)

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of buffers in blood?

Accepted Answer

They maintain pH homeostasis by neutralizing excess acids and bases

Question 15

Which property of water is responsible for the phenomenon where a glass can be filled slightly above the rim without spilling?

Accepted Answer

Surface tension

Question 16

If the absorption of human-generated $$CO_2 by $$the oceans continues, what is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decrease in ocean pH, threatening calcifying organisms

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of water's polarity?

Accepted Answer

Inability to act as a solvent for nonpolar substances

Question 18

Which of the following statements about hydrogen bonds is correct?

Accepted Answer

They occur between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom like oxygen

Question 19

A molecule that has all nonpolar covalent bonds would be classified as:

Accepted Answer

Hydrophobic

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why water has a lower density as a solid than as a liquid?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen bonds hold water molecules further apart in ice

Properties of Water and Their Biological Significance

Study Guide - Practice Questions