3.1.7 Water Flashcards
What is the structure and bonding of water?
Two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen
Dipolar molecule
Hydrogen = positive, oxygen = negative
Hydrogen bonding is the attractive force between molecules
Covalently bonded so don’t conduct electricity
What are the properties of water which aid life? (No explanation)
Dipolar
Has hydrogen bonding
Covalently bonded
High boiling point due to hydrogen bonding
High specific heat capacity
High latent heat of vaporisation
Cohesion
Not easily compressed
Transparent
How do the properties of water aid life?
High boiling point: buffer against sudden temperature changes
High latent heat of vaporisation: sweating provides an effective cooling effect
Cohesion: xylem can transport water
Not easily compressed: provides support for organisms
Transparent: light can reach aquatic plants
How is water used in the metabolism?
Used to break down many complex molecules by hydrolysis
Chemical reactions take place in an aqueous medium
Water is a major raw material in photosynthesis
How is water used as a solvent?
It readily dissolves some substances including: gases, wastes, inorganic ions, small hydrophilic molecules and enzymes
