1- water Flashcards
1
Q
properties of water
A
- high specific heat capacity
- polar solvent
- surface tension
- incompressibility
- maximum density at 4°c
- relatively large latent heat of vaporisation
2
Q
properties of water- high specific heat capacity
A
- a lot of energy is required to change its temperature
- this minimises temperature fluctuations
- this is crucial as it allows organisms in rivers and lakes to survive in different seasons
3
Q
properties of water- polar solvent
A
- allows metabolic reactions to occur
- allows ionic substances, such as NaCl, to dissolve in water
4
Q
properties of water- surface tension cohesion
A
- this attraction of molecules for other molecules of the same kind
- means that water can be transported in plants in xylem tubes
- means that water at a surface with air orientates so that the hydrogen bonds face inwards, causing the surface layer of water to contract, producing surface tension
5
Q
properties of water- surface tension adhesion
A
- the attraction of molecules for other molecules of a different kind
- water can adhere to the side of tube- like cells
6
Q
properties of water- incompressibility
A
- provides good support
- can be used in hydraulic mechanisms
7
Q
properties of water- maximum density of at 4°c
A
- ice floats on top of water, creating an insulating layer
- this increases the chance of survival of organisms in large bodies of water as it prevents them from freezing when temperatures decrease
8
Q
properties of water- relatively large latent heat of vaporisation
A
- the evaporation of water provides a large cooling affect even with little water loss
9
Q
importance of water
A
- medium for all reactions in living cells
- movement of substances around the body
- reactant for photosynthesis, upon which almost all life depends
- a massive habitat for life
10
Q
diagram of water
A
