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Multiple Choice
Which property of water is responsible for the attraction between water molecules and other substances?
A
Adhesion
B
Capillary action
C
Surface tension
D
Cohesion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the properties of water that contribute to its interactions with other substances. Water is a polar molecule, meaning it has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other.
Identify the key properties of water: adhesion, cohesion, surface tension, and capillary action. Each of these properties describes different interactions involving water molecules.
Adhesion refers to the attraction between water molecules and other types of molecules. This property is responsible for water sticking to other surfaces, such as glass or plant tissues.
Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules themselves, which leads to phenomena like surface tension, where water molecules at the surface are pulled together, creating a 'skin' on the water.
Capillary action is a result of both adhesion and cohesion. It describes the ability of water to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces, often observed in plants as water moves up through the xylem.