the unique properties of water make life possible on earth, select three properties of water and: a) for each propery, identify and define the property and explain it in terms of the physical/chemical nature of water b) for each property,describe one example of how the property affects the functioning of living organisms
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Three unique properties of water are cohesion, high specific heat, and universal solvent.
a) Cohesion: Cohesion refers to the tendency of water molecules to stick together due to a hydrogen bond formation. This bond occurs between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another water molecule. The polar nature of water, with its oxygen being slightly negative and hydrogen being slightly positive, enables this property.
b) Cohesion in water plays a crucial role in the functioning of living organisms. For instance, cohesion allows water to move upwards against gravity in plants through capillary action. Water molecules stick together and create a continuous column that helps transport essential nutrients and water from the roots to the leaves. This property also contributes to the surface tension of water, allowing certain small organisms, such as insects, to walk on water.
a) High specific heat: Specific heat refers to the amount of heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance. Water has a high specific heat because of its hydrogen bonding. This property enables water to absorb or release a significant amount of heat energy without undergoing rapid temperature changes.
b) The high specific heat of water greatly influences the functioning of living organisms. For example, water acts as a temperature buffer, helping to stabilize the internal temperature of organisms. Oceanic and large bodies of water absorb and store heat during warm periods and release it slowly during cooler periods. This thermal regulation is vital for marine organisms to adapt and remain in their respective habitats.
a) Universal solvent: Water is often called the universal solvent because it has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of solutes. This property arises from the polarity of water molecules, enabling them to attract and surround other polar and charged molecules.
b) The universal solvent property of water facilitates many essential biological processes. For instance, within living cells, water acts as a medium for chemical reactions by dissolving and transporting nutrients, ions, and waste products. Additionally, water contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis by dissolving and carrying away metabolic waste from the body. It also assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive system.
Three unique properties of water are its high heat capacity, high surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances.
a)
1) High heat capacity: This property refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance. Water has a high heat capacity because of its unique structure and the presence of hydrogen bonding between water molecules. Hydrogen bonding allows water to absorb and store a considerable amount of heat without experiencing a significant increase in temperature. Water's high heat capacity helps to regulate temperature in living organisms by absorbing excess heat, thereby preventing drastic fluctuations in body temperature.
2) High surface tension: Surface tension is a measure of how difficult it is to break or penetrate the surface of a liquid. Water exhibits a relatively high surface tension compared to other liquids due to its cohesive forces, primarily caused by hydrogen bonding. These forces hold water molecules together at the surface, creating a "skin-like" layer. High surface tension allows insects, such as water striders, to walk on water without sinking. It also enables water to form drops and support capillary action, contributing to their movement in plants.
3) Ability to dissolve many substances: Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because it has the ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. This property arises from its polar nature, where the oxygen atom in water has a slightly negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have slight positive charges. These charges allow water molecules to surround and separate ions or polar molecules, facilitating their dissolution. This property is essential for living organisms since it enables the transport of nutrients, ions, and waste products within cells, as well as the maintenance of homeostasis.
b)
1) High heat capacity affecting living organisms: Water's high heat capacity plays a crucial role in temperature regulation in living organisms. For example, it allows our bodies to effectively dissipate excess heat through processes like sweating. Heat absorbed by water in sweat requires a large amount of energy, thus cooling the body. Additionally, large bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, act as heat sinks, absorbing excess heat during the day and releasing it during cooler nights, thereby moderating the temperature of surrounding environments.
2) High surface tension affecting living organisms: The high surface tension of water enables certain organisms, like water striders, to move and navigate on the water's surface. Water striders use the water's surface tension to distribute their weight and float on the water, facilitating their movement and hunting activities. Similarly, small insects like mosquitoes and spiders rely on water's high surface tension to lay eggs, creating small floating nests that help protect their offspring from predators.
3) Ability to dissolve substances affecting living organisms: Water's ability to dissolve substances is vital for many biological processes. For instance, in our digestive system, water dissolves food particles, aiding their breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Moreover, water acts as a solvent for various essential ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, allowing them to be transported within our bodies and support crucial functions like nerve signaling and muscle contraction. Water's solvent properties are also important in cellular processes, allowing for the efficient distribution of nutrients and removal of waste products.