Name: ________________________ ws # __________
Unit 3 – Water Vocabulary
Science/Key/Block # _______
Directions: Use the definition and class discussions to draw a
picture for the vocabulary words below.
Date: _______
1. molecule
Smallest particle of a compound that is
composed of two or more atoms
chemically combined.
Draw the water molecule and label the positive
2. polarity (polar molecule)
A molecule having a positive side and a and negative sides.
negative side. Water is a polar molecule.
The polarity of water allows it to have other
physical properties such as cohesion, adhesion,
and surface tension.
3. cohesion
A property of water and some other
substances in which the molecules are
attracted to molecules of the same
substance.
Example: A drop of water is formed because of
cohesion.
4. adhesion
A property of water and some other
substances in which the molecules are
attracted of molecules of a different
substance.
Example: Water adheres to glass.
5. surface tension
A property of water and other liquids in
which cohesion at the surface causes
the surface to act like an elastic
membrane.
6. solute
7. solvent
Usually a solid
(compound) that is
dissolved in a solution
(liquid).
Usually a liquid in
large quantities that
performs the task of
dissolving.
In your picture be sure to label the solute,
solvent.
8. universal solvent
A substance that will dissolve many other
substances into it.
Water is the universal solvent because it
dissolves many other substances.
9. solubility
The ability of a solid (solute) to dissolve
(disappear) in a liquid (solvent).
10. miscibility
The ability of a liquid to mix with
another liquid.
11. Water – Changes of State
Freezing Point – 0oC or 32oF
Boiling Point – 100oC or 212oF
12. abundance
13. Covalent Bonds
A bond between two atoms where the
electrons share electrons on their outermost
shells.
14. Ionic Bonds
A bond between atoms due to their electric
charge. (Usually a metal and non-metal.)
Example: Salt (NaCl)
15. Hydrogen Bonds
A type of ionic bond that keeps water
molecules sticking to each other (due to their
polarity).
*16. capillary action(Honors)
Is the ability of water to creep up thin
tubes.
Why…Because of the surface tension
and the adhesion properties of water.
Example: Water moves up a straw or the xylem (tubes
in plants that deliver water) of a plant.