17B REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What Makes Water So Good At Dissolving Other Things?2. Why Isn't Groundwater Pure Water?3. What Kinds Of Problems Does Hard Water Cause?4. List Three Ways To Soften Hard Water.5. (True Or False) Water Is A Good Solvent Due To The
The Amazing Properties of Water: Understanding its Solvent Power and Impurities
Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" due to its unique ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. But what makes water so good at dissolving other things? In this article, we will delve into the properties of water that make it an excellent solvent, as well as explore the reasons why groundwater is not always pure water. We will also discuss the problems caused by hard water and provide three ways to soften it.
1. What makes water so good at dissolving other things?
Water's ability to dissolve other substances is due to its polar nature. A polar molecule has a slightly positive charge on one end (the hydrogen atoms) and a slightly negative charge on the other end (the oxygen atom). This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules, which are weak electrostatic attractions between the positively charged hydrogen atoms and the negatively charged oxygen atoms of other molecules. These hydrogen bonds are strong enough to break the bonds between the molecules of the substance being dissolved, allowing the substance to dissolve in water.
Water's high surface tension and viscosity also contribute to its ability to dissolve other substances. Surface tension is the energy at the surface of a liquid that causes it to behave as if it has an "elastic skin." This skin helps to keep the water molecules together, allowing them to interact with other molecules more effectively. Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Water's high viscosity helps to slow down the movement of molecules, allowing them to interact more effectively with other molecules.
2. Why isn't groundwater pure water?
Groundwater is not always pure water because it can contain a wide range of impurities, including minerals, salts, and other substances. These impurities can come from a variety of sources, including:
- Mineral-rich rocks: Groundwater can flow through mineral-rich rocks, such as limestone and granite, which can dissolve and release minerals into the water.
- Soil and sediment: Groundwater can also flow through soil and sediment, which can contain a wide range of impurities, including heavy metals and other pollutants.
- Human activities: Human activities, such as agriculture and industry, can also contaminate groundwater with a wide range of impurities.
Some common impurities found in groundwater include:
- Sulfates: Sulfates are a common impurity in groundwater, particularly in areas where the water flows through sulfate-rich rocks.
- Nitrates: Nitrates are a common impurity in groundwater, particularly in areas where the water flows through soil and sediment that has been fertilized with nitrogen-based fertilizers.
- Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can also contaminate groundwater, particularly in areas where the water flows through soil and sediment that has been contaminated with these metals.
3. What kinds of problems does hard water cause?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause a wide range of problems, including:
- Scaling: Hard water can cause scaling, which is the buildup of minerals on surfaces, such as pipes and appliances.
- Corrosion: Hard water can also cause corrosion, which is the breakdown of metal surfaces due to the presence of minerals.
- Soap scum: Hard water can also cause soap scum, which is the buildup of soap residue on surfaces, such as skin and hair.
Some common problems caused by hard water include:
- Soap scum buildup: Soap scum can build up on surfaces, such as skin and hair, making it difficult to clean and causing skin irritation.
- Scale buildup: Scale buildup can cause pipes and appliances to become clogged, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- Corrosion: Corrosion can cause metal surfaces to break down, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
4. List three ways to soften hard water
There are several ways to soften hard water, including:
- Water softeners: Water softeners are devices that remove minerals from water, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions. These devices can be installed at the point of entry for the water supply, or they can be installed at the point of use, such as in a shower or sink.
- Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis is a process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove minerals from water. This process can be used to soften water, as well as to remove other impurities, such as heavy metals and bacteria.
- Distillation: Distillation is a process that involves boiling water and then collecting the condensed steam. This process can be used to soften water, as well as to remove other impurities, such as heavy metals and bacteria.
5. (True or False) Water is a good solvent due to the
Water is a good solvent due to its polar nature, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules. This polarity, combined with its high surface tension and viscosity, makes water an excellent solvent for a wide range of substances.
In conclusion, water's ability to dissolve other substances is due to its polar nature, high surface tension, and viscosity. Groundwater is not always pure water because it can contain a wide range of impurities, including minerals, salts, and other substances. Hard water can cause a wide range of problems, including scaling, corrosion, and soap scum buildup. There are several ways to soften hard water, including water softeners, reverse osmosis, and distillation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Water and its Properties
In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about water and its properties.
Q: What is the pH of water?
A: The pH of water is 7, which is considered neutral. Water is a weak acid and a weak base, and its pH can vary depending on the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the boiling point of water?
A: The boiling point of water is 100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, the boiling point of water can vary depending on the pressure and the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the freezing point of water?
A: The freezing point of water is 0°C (32°F) at standard atmospheric pressure. However, the freezing point of water can vary depending on the pressure and the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the density of water?
A: The density of water is 1 gram per milliliter (g/mL) at standard atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 4°C (39°F). However, the density of water can vary depending on the temperature and the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the surface tension of water?
A: The surface tension of water is approximately 72 millinewtons per meter (mN/m) at standard atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 20°C (68°F). However, the surface tension of water can vary depending on the temperature and the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the viscosity of water?
A: The viscosity of water is approximately 0.89 centipoise (cP) at standard atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 20°C (68°F). However, the viscosity of water can vary depending on the temperature and the presence of other substances.
Q: What is the solubility of water?
A: Water is a universal solvent, and it can dissolve a wide range of substances. The solubility of water depends on the substance being dissolved and the temperature and pressure of the water.
Q: What is the freezing point depression of water?
A: The freezing point depression of water is the decrease in the freezing point of water when it is mixed with other substances. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of other substances disrupts the formation of ice crystals, making it more difficult for the water to freeze.
Q: What is the boiling point elevation of water?
A: The boiling point elevation of water is the increase in the boiling point of water when it is mixed with other substances. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of other substances increases the pressure of the water, making it more difficult for the water to boil.
Q: What is the effect of temperature on the properties of water?
A: Temperature has a significant effect on the properties of water. As the temperature of water increases, its density decreases, its surface tension decreases, and its viscosity decreases. Conversely, as the temperature of water decreases, its density increases, its surface tension increases, and its viscosity increases.
Q: What is the effect of pressure on the properties of water?
A: Pressure has a significant effect on the properties of water. As the pressure of water increases, its density increases, its surface tension increases, and its viscosity increases. Conversely, as the pressure of water decreases, its density decreases, its surface tension decreases, and its viscosity decreases.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved substances on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved substances can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved salts can increase the boiling point of water, while the presence of dissolved gases can decrease the boiling point of water.
Q: What is the effect of pH on the properties of water?
A: pH has a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of acidic substances can decrease the pH of water, while the presence of basic substances can increase the pH of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved oxygen on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved oxygen has a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved oxygen can increase the solubility of water, while the absence of dissolved oxygen can decrease the solubility of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved carbon dioxide on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved carbon dioxide has a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide can decrease the pH of water, while the absence of dissolved carbon dioxide can increase the pH of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved minerals on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved minerals can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved minerals can increase the hardness of water, while the absence of dissolved minerals can decrease the hardness of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved salts on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved salts can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved salts can increase the boiling point of water, while the absence of dissolved salts can decrease the boiling point of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved gases on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved gases can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved gases can decrease the boiling point of water, while the absence of dissolved gases can increase the boiling point of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved organic matter on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved organic matter can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved organic matter can increase the color and turbidity of water, while the absence of dissolved organic matter can decrease the color and turbidity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved inorganic matter on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved inorganic matter can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved inorganic matter can increase the hardness of water, while the absence of dissolved inorganic matter can decrease the hardness of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved nutrients on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved nutrients can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved nutrients can increase the growth of aquatic plants and animals, while the absence of dissolved nutrients can decrease the growth of aquatic plants and animals.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved pollutants on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved pollutants can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved pollutants can decrease the quality of water, while the absence of dissolved pollutants can increase the quality of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved sediments on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved sediments can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved sediments can increase the turbidity of water, while the absence of dissolved sediments can decrease the turbidity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved microorganisms on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved microorganisms can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved microorganisms can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved microorganisms can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved viruses on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved viruses can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved viruses can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, while the absence of dissolved viruses can decrease the risk of waterborne diseases.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved bacteria on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved bacteria can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved bacteria can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved bacteria can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved fungi on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved fungi can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved fungi can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved fungi can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved algae on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved algae can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved algae can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved algae can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved protozoa on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved protozoa can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved protozoa can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved protozoa can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved helminths on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved helminths can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved helminths can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, while the absence of dissolved helminths can decrease the risk of waterborne diseases.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved arthropods on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved arthropods can have a significant effect on the properties of water. For example, the presence of dissolved arthropods can increase the biological activity of water, while the absence of dissolved arthropods can decrease the biological activity of water.
Q: What is the effect of dissolved mollusks on the properties of water?
A: Dissolved mollusks can have a significant effect on the properties of