What property of water is described as the attraction between like molecules?

Cohesion is the property of water that refers to the attraction between like molecules. In the case of water, this phenomenon occurs due to hydrogen bonding, where water molecules are attracted to one another because of their polar nature. This strong intermolecular attraction allows water to form droplets and contributes significantly to the overall structure and function of water in biological systems.

Cohesion is particularly important in processes like transpiration in plants, where water moves through the xylem. The cohesive properties of water enable it to travel through narrow vessels and assist in maintaining fluid continuity.

Understanding cohesion also highlights its role in surface tension, which might seem closely related but specifically refers to the tendency of water surfaces to resist external force. Surface tension arises from the cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface of a liquid, allowing insects to walk on water and droplets to form.

In contrast, adhesion describes the attraction between different types of molecules, which also plays a role in various biological processes, but it does not define the attraction among like molecules, which is the focus of this question.