Introduction

Question 1

What are the 3 states of water

Answer 1

Solid, Liquid, Vapour

Question 2

What percentage of the planet is covered by the ocean

Answer 2

70%

Question 3

Water is a climate ameliorator?

Answer 3

The existence of water in all 3 states makes earth habitable for life forms. As water transforms between these states energy is absorbed and released lessening climatic extremes

Question 4

In what way does water transport energy around the globe?

Answer 4

Moves energy from equatorial regions to the poles as it transfers between states. The low viscosity makes transportation easy.

Question 5

Name 5 chemical properties of water

Answer 5

• One of the best solvents on the planet
• Use it for cleanliness (washing ourselves, dishes and clothes)
• Disposal of pollutants
• Solvent properties allow for uptake of vital nutrients from the soil essential for plant life
• absorb gases such as oxygen which is essential for life in rivers and water bodies

Question 6

Describe the basic structure of a water molecule

Answer 6

2 hydrogen atoms bonded to a single oxygen atom with a covalent bond. This is the strongest type of bond within molecules and is the reason why water is such a robust compound.
The polarity of water leads it to bonding between water – a weak hydrogen bond. The positive side of one molecule is drawn to the negative side of another forming the hydrogen bond. This weak bond allows water to change state to a gas
The lack of rigidity in the bonds allows water to have a low viscosity making it effective for transport.

Question 7

Describe the basic structure of ice

Answer 7

Hydrogen bonds become ridged and three-dimensional crystalline structure forms.
Solid form has a lower density than liquid form allowing ice to float and not sink

Question 8

Explain how clouds are formed

Answer 8

Air above earth’s surface is heated
Air rises and condenses into water droplets/ice crystals if saturated
Air becomes saturated quicker as altitude increases and temperature decreases.

Question 9

Describe 2 characteristics of clouds

Answer 9

• form most commonly over oceans due to higher level of moisture available
• hug mountains - as wind is blown against mountains its forced upwards condensing moisture.

Question 10

Describe rainfall distribution across the globe

Answer 10

rainfall is greatest nearer the equator and decreases as you move towards the poles