which statement is true of water’s tensile strength? which statement is true of water’s tensile strength?
(a) it results from hydrogen bonding.
(b) it helps to pull water through plants.
(c) it involves both cohesion and adhesion. both (a) and (b). (a), (b), and (c).
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is (a), (b), and (c). Water’s tensile strength is an important physical property that stems from its unique molecular characteristics and interactions, primarily due to hydrogen bonding.
Explanation
1. Hydrogen Bonding (Statement a): Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on one side (hydrogen atoms) and a partial negative charge on the other (oxygen atom). This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with one another. These bonds are relatively strong compared to other types of intermolecular forces, giving water a high tensile strength. This property enables water to resist breaking under tension.
2. Water Transport in Plants (Statement b): The tensile strength of water plays a crucial role in the process of transpiration, where water is pulled up from the roots of plants to the leaves. When water evaporates from the leaf surfaces, it creates a negative pressure that pulls more water upward through the xylem vessels. This is possible due to the tensile strength provided by hydrogen bonding; water can effectively transmit this tension along a column of water without breaking.
3. Cohesion and Adhesion (Statement c): Water’s tensile strength is influenced by both cohesion and adhesion. Cohesion refers to the attraction between water molecules, which allows them to stick together, contributing to tensile strength. Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and different substances (like plant tissues), which facilitates the upward movement of water against gravity. Both of these properties work together to enable efficient water transport in plants, further demonstrating the importance of water’s tensile strength.
In summary, the tensile strength of water is a multifaceted property resulting from hydrogen bonding, aiding in the movement of water through plants, and involving both cohesive and adhesive interactions. This interplay is critical for various biological processes, especially in plant physiology.