Physical Properties Of Water

Question 1

Temperature

Answer 1

Wide range

Water in liquid form for most/all of year

Question 2

Density

Answer 2

Wide range
Similar to density of aquatic biota limits sedimentation rate
Variations in density or temp = thermal stratifications in standing/slow moving waters

Question 3

Absolute viscosity

Answer 3

High

Limits mixing, sedimentation of biota and flow in lotic systems

Question 4

Thermal conductivity

Answer 4

Low

Causes high specific heat capacity

Question 5

Specific heat capacity

Answer 5

High
Slow response to change in air temp
Localised surface heating
Stratification I’m standing waters

Question 6

Dielectric constant

Answer 6

High

Ions of opposite charge can stay in solution

Question 7

Surface tension

Answer 7

High

Allows attachment of fine particulates (invertebrates) to surface

Question 8

Light absorption

Answer 8

Low
Causes high light penetration to water column
Particulates in water column reduce transparency

Question 9

Solubility of oxygen

Answer 9

Dissolved oxygen limits biota esp at high temp
Limited in stratified water - no transfer to lower layer
Plant respiration depletes levels at night = diurnal variations