aquatic plants survive at 0 degree celcious because water has high heat of fusion, which allows ice to float?
Aquatic plants are able to survive at 0 degrees Celsius (the freezing point of water) due to several factors. One important factor is that water has a high heat capacity, which means it can absorb and hold a large amount of heat energy. This allows water to buffer temperature changes and maintain a relatively stable environment.
Additionally, the heat of fusion of water is also significant in this context. The heat of fusion refers to the amount of heat energy required for a substance to change from a solid to a liquid state without a change in temperature. In the case of water, this value is relatively high.
When the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius, water begins to freeze and turns into ice. However, unlike most substances, as water freezes, it undergoes expansion instead of contraction. This results in ice being less dense than liquid water, causing it to float on the surface.
This floating ice provides insulation to the underlying water, shielding it from extreme temperature drops. It acts as a protective layer, allowing the water below to remain in a liquid state and providing a stable habitat for aquatic plants and organisms to survive during cold seasons.
Aquatic plants can survive in temperatures close to or at 0 degrees Celsius due to several factors. One of the main reasons is the high heat of fusion of water, which allows ice to float. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. Heat of fusion: Water has a relatively high heat of fusion, which means it requires a significant amount of energy to change from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water), or vice versa. In the case of ice melting, this heat energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
2. Floating ice: When water freezes, it forms ice, which is less dense than liquid water. This unique property causes ice to float on the surface of water bodies, such as lakes or streams. The layer of ice acts as an insulating barrier, protecting the underlying water from extreme temperature changes.
3. Thermal insulation: The layer of ice acts as a thermal insulator, preventing the complete freezing of the water below. Even when the air temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius (freezing point), the layer of ice above the water surface acts as a buffer, preventing the water below from reaching freezing temperatures.
4. Survival of aquatic plants: Aquatic plants have adapted to survive in cold temperatures. They can continue to carry out metabolic functions such as respiration and nutrient uptake, even in colder water. Their ability to endure low temperatures is aided by the insulating effect of the ice layer, which helps maintain water temperatures above freezing.
In summary, the high heat of fusion of water, which allows ice to float, plays a crucial role in the survival of aquatic plants at or near 0 degrees Celsius. The floating ice serves as an insulating layer, preventing the underlying water from freezing completely and providing a habitat suitable for the plants' survival.