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  • Understanding Water's Properties: Cohesion, Surface Tension, and Adhesion
    Cohesion, surface tension, and adhesion are all properties of water that arise from the polarity of its molecules. Water molecules are polar because they have a slight positive charge on one end and a slight negative charge on the other end. This polarity allows water molecules to form hydrogen bonds with each other.

    Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules. It is what causes water to bead up on surfaces and form droplets. Cohesion is also responsible for the surface tension of water.

    Surface tension is the energy required to break the surface of water. It is what causes water to form a skin on its surface. Surface tension is also responsible for the capillary action of water.

    Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other molecules. It is what causes water to stick to surfaces. Adhesion is also responsible for the wetting of surfaces by water.

    Cohesion, surface tension, and adhesion all play important roles in the behavior of water. They are responsible for many of the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point, its ability to dissolve many substances, and its ability to form waves.

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