Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 21M.1.SL.TZ1.12 |
Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Question number | 12 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
What is the term for the attraction of water molecules to other water molecules?
A. Surface tension
B. Capillary action
C. Cohesion
D. Adhesion
Markscheme
C
Examiners report
It was pleasing to see that three quarters of candidates knew that attraction between water molecules causes cohesion and far fewer incorrectly chose adhesion. These two terms are sometimes treated by candidates as though their meanings are interchangeable, but cohesion is attraction between water molecules and adhesion is attraction to a surface.