Cohesion

Definition

Cohesion refers to the attractive forces that bind molecules of the same substance together, creating a unified structure. This concept is particularly important in the context of inorganic compounds essential to human functioning, as it helps explain the physical and chemical properties of these vital substances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cohesion is a crucial factor in the structure and function of water, a vital inorganic compound for human functioning.
2. The cohesive forces between water molecules allow for the formation of surface tension, which is essential for the transport of nutrients and waste in the body.
3. Hydrogen bonding, a type of cohesive force, is responsible for the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point and ability to dissolve many substances.
4. Cohesion also plays a role in the structure and stability of other inorganic compounds, such as salts and minerals, which are essential for various physiological processes.
5. Disruptions in the cohesive forces of inorganic compounds can lead to changes in their physical and chemical properties, which can impact their functionality in the human body.

Review Questions

• Explain how the cohesive properties of water contribute to its importance as an inorganic compound essential to human functioning.
  • The cohesive forces between water molecules, primarily hydrogen bonding, are responsible for water's unique physical and chemical properties that make it essential for human functioning. The cohesion of water molecules allows for the formation of surface tension, which is crucial for the transport of nutrients and waste in the body. Additionally, the high boiling point of water, due to its cohesive nature, enables it to remain liquid at physiologically relevant temperatures, facilitating its role as a solvent and medium for various biochemical reactions. The cohesive forces in water also contribute to its ability to dissolve and transport other inorganic compounds, such as salts and minerals, which are essential for various physiological processes.
• Describe how the concept of cohesion can be applied to the structure and stability of inorganic compounds other than water that are essential to human functioning.
  • Cohesion, the attractive forces that bind molecules of the same substance together, is not limited to water but also plays a crucial role in the structure and stability of other inorganic compounds essential to human functioning. For example, the cohesive forces between the ions in salt compounds, such as sodium chloride, contribute to their crystalline structure and stability. Similarly, the cohesion of mineral compounds, like calcium carbonate or phosphate, helps maintain their integrity and enables their incorporation into bone and tooth structures. Disruptions in the cohesive forces of these inorganic compounds can lead to changes in their physical and chemical properties, which can impact their functionality in the human body. Understanding the concept of cohesion is essential for comprehending the importance of various inorganic compounds and their roles in maintaining human health and homeostasis.
• Analyze the relationship between cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension, and explain how these concepts collectively contribute to the transport and distribution of inorganic compounds within the human body.
  • The concepts of cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension are interconnected and collectively contribute to the transport and distribution of inorganic compounds within the human body. Cohesion, the attractive forces between molecules of the same substance, is responsible for the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point and ability to dissolve many substances. This cohesive nature of water enables it to form a continuous, stable liquid phase that can effectively transport and distribute inorganic compounds, like salts and minerals, throughout the body. Adhesion, the attractive forces between molecules of different substances, allows these inorganic compounds to bind to and interact with the surfaces of cells and tissues, facilitating their uptake and utilization. Surface tension, a result of the cohesive forces between water molecules at the liquid-air interface, helps maintain the integrity of the circulatory system and other fluid-filled structures, enabling the efficient transport and distribution of inorganic compounds. The delicate balance between cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension ensures the proper functioning of various physiological processes that rely on the transport and distribution of these essential inorganic compounds within the human body.

Related terms

Adhesion: The attractive force that binds molecules of different substances together, allowing them to stick to one another.

Surface Tension: The cohesive force between liquid molecules at the surface of a body of liquid, which allows the surface to behave like an elastic sheet.

Hydrogen Bonding: A type of dipole-dipole attraction that occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, and another highly electronegative atom.