Ch 2: The Chemical Context of Life

Question 1

What are the emergent properties of water that contribute to Earth’s suitability for life?

Answer 1

Cohesive behavior
moderates temperature
expansion when frozen
versatility as a solvent

Question 2

How do hydrogen bonds affect cohesion?

Answer 2

Water molecules are closer together and stronger because of hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, hydrogen bonds make water’s surface tension greater than other liquids.

Question 3

What is adhesion?

Answer 3

Water is able to cling to other substances due to hydrogen bonds. This helps water go against gravity; for example when traveling up a plant by clinging to cell walls.

Question 4

How does water moderate temperature?

Answer 4

Absorbs heat from air that is warmer and releases it in air that is cooler

Question 5

Water’s high specific heat

Answer 5

When heat is absorbed bonds are broken and water moves more freely, but it takes mroe heat to break the bonds of water because hydrogen bonds are stronger. When temperature of water decreases, hydrogen bonds are formed and a lot of energy is released

Question 6

What characteristic does an entity gain when it becomes a part of a bigger system?

Answer 6

Emergent Properties

Question 7

Hydrophobic

Answer 7

This means the molecules is non-polar which makes them repel water

Question 8

Hydrophilic

Answer 8

The molecule is polar which attracts them to water