Question 1

Which property of water allows it to move upward through the xylem of plants against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion and adhesion

Question 2

Why does ice float on liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice is less dense than liquid water because hydrogen bonds form a crystalline structure that spaces molecules apart.

Question 3

A solution has a pH of 4. Which of the following best describes this solution?

Accepted Answer

It is acidic and has a high concentration of H$$^+$$ ions.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why sweating cools the human body?

Accepted Answer

Water absorbs heat as it evaporates due to its high heat of vaporization.

Question 5

What would most likely happen to marine life if ice were more dense than liquid water?

Accepted Answer

Ice would sink, causing bodies of water to freeze from the bottom up and threatening aquatic life.

Question 6

Which property of water is most responsible for its ability to dissolve ionic compounds like NaCl?

Accepted Answer

Polarity

Question 7

A buffer system in blood helps maintain pH homeostasis. Which equation best represents the bicarbonate buffer system?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2 + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-}$$

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates water’s high specific heat in action?

Accepted Answer

A lake remains relatively cool during a hot summer day.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct result of water’s cohesive properties?

Accepted Answer

Water forms droplets on a car window due to surface tension.

Question 10

If a plant’s xylem walls were coated with a nonpolar substance, which property of water would be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Adhesion

Question 11

Which of the following best describes why water is considered a 'universal solvent'?

Accepted Answer

Its polarity allows it to dissolve many ionic and polar substances.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of water’s high heat of vaporization?

Accepted Answer

Water boils at a low temperature.

Question 13

What happens when potassium chloride (KCl) is mixed with water?

Accepted Answer

K$$^+$$ ions are surrounded by the oxygen atoms of water, and Cl$$^-$$ ions are surrounded by the hydrogen atoms of water.

Question 14

Which property of water helps maintain a stable internal temperature in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

High specific heat

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why water can climb up a narrow glass tube against gravity?

Accepted Answer

Capillary action due to cohesion and adhesion

Question 16

Which of the following is true about acids and bases in water?

Accepted Answer

Acids release H$$^+$$ ions, while bases accept H$$^+ or $$release OH$$^-$$ ions.

Question 17

Which property of water is most important for dissolving glucose in the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Polarity, allowing hydrogen bonds with glucose

Question 18

How many hydrogen bonds can a single water molecule form with neighboring water molecules in ice?

Accepted Answer

Four

Question 19

Which property of water is most directly responsible for the surface tension observed in a glass of water?

Accepted Answer

Cohesion

Question 20

A scientist adds a strong acid to a buffered solution. What is the expected result?

Accepted Answer

The pH will remain relatively stable due to the buffer.

Properties of Water: Biological Importance and Mechanisms

Study Guide - Practice Questions