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Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent quiz Flashcards

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Properties of Water- The Universal Solvent quiz
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  • What does the term 'hydrophilic' mean?

    Hydrophilic describes substances that readily dissolve in water due to their affinity or attraction to water.
  • What types of molecules are typically hydrophilic?

    Polar and charged molecules, such as salts and ions, are typically hydrophilic.
  • What does the term 'hydrophobic' mean?

    Hydrophobic describes substances that do not readily dissolve in water and tend to separate from it.
  • What types of molecules are typically hydrophobic?

    Non-polar molecules, such as fats, oils, and waxes, are typically hydrophobic.
  • Why is water referred to as the 'universal solvent'?

    Water is called the 'universal solvent' because it can dissolve many different types of solutes, especially hydrophilic substances.
  • What happens when table salt (sodium chloride) is mixed with water?

    Table salt dissolves in water as the sodium and chloride ions are surrounded by water molecules, forming hydration shells.
  • Why does vegetable oil not mix well with water?

    Vegetable oil does not mix well with water because it is made of non-polar molecules, making it hydrophobic.
  • What is the significance of the root words 'hydro' and 'philic' in 'hydrophilic'?

    'Hydro' means water and 'philic' means loving, so 'hydrophilic' means water-loving.
  • What is the significance of the root words 'hydro' and 'phobic' in 'hydrophobic'?

    'Hydro' means water and 'phobic' means fearing, so 'hydrophobic' means water-fearing.
  • What is an example of a hydrophilic substance?

    An example of a hydrophilic substance is table salt (sodium chloride).
  • What is an example of a hydrophobic substance?

    An example of a hydrophobic substance is vegetable oil.
  • How do hydrophilic substances interact with water?

    Hydrophilic substances dissolve well in water due to their attraction to water molecules.
  • How do hydrophobic substances interact with water?

    Hydrophobic substances do not dissolve well in water and tend to separate from it.
  • What role do hydration shells play in dissolving salts in water?

    Hydration shells form around the ions of the salt, disrupting the ionic bonds and allowing the salt to dissolve.
  • Why is water's ability to dissolve substances important in biological systems?

    Water's ability to dissolve substances is crucial for many biological processes, including nutrient transport and chemical reactions.