Question

What property of water allows water molecules to stick easily to other water molecules?

Answer 1

The property of water that allows water molecules to stick easily to other water molecules is called **cohesion**. Cohesion is the intermolecular attraction between like molecules, which in the case of water, is primarily due to hydrogen bonding. Water molecules are highly polar, meaning they have a partial positive charge on one side (the hydrogen atoms) and a partial negative charge on the other side (the oxygen atom). This polarity enables them to form hydrogen bonds with each other, leading to strong cohesive forces. Cohesion is responsible for many of water's unique properties, such as high surface tension.