Multiple Choice
Which of the following observations best demonstrates water’s special property of cohesion?
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3. Water
Properties of Water- Cohesion and Adhesion
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What is produced on the top of a pool of water by the mutual attraction between water molecules?
A
Condensation
B
Capillary action
C
Evaporation
D
Surface tension
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of surface tension: Surface tension is a physical property of liquids caused by the cohesive forces between molecules at the surface. In water, this is due to hydrogen bonding between water molecules.
Recognize the role of hydrogen bonds: Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. This polarity leads to strong intermolecular attractions, forming hydrogen bonds.
Analyze the behavior of water molecules at the surface: At the surface of a pool of water, molecules experience an imbalance of forces. Molecules below the surface are surrounded by other water molecules, but surface molecules are only attracted to molecules beside and below them, creating a net inward force.
Relate this inward force to surface tension: The inward force causes the surface of the water to behave like a stretched elastic sheet, minimizing the surface area and creating surface tension.
Connect surface tension to the problem: The mutual attraction between water molecules at the surface of the pool leads to the formation of surface tension, which is the correct answer to the question.
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