1.7 Water

Question 1

describe properties of water

Answer 1

2 hydrogen atoms
1 oxygen atom
covalently bonded
dipolar

Question 2

describe the significance of high specific heat capacity

Answer 2

• amount of heat required to raise 1kg of water by 1 degree celsius
• it is crucial for organisms to maintain a constant temperature- water acts as a temperature buffer

Question 3

describe the significance of polar solvents

Answer 3

water acts as a transport medium for polar molecules, causing them to dissociate

Question 4

describe the significance of surface tension

Answer 4

the surface of water forms a skin which is strong enough to support small aquatic organisms

Question 5

describe the significance of incompressibility

Answer 5

water acts as a medium in lots of different places

Question 6

describe the significance of density

Answer 6

ice floats and acts as an insulating layer for organisms below the surface of ice.