Question

Which of the following are unusual properties of water that suit it to be the matrix of life?

a) High density in solid form
b) Low heat capacity
c) High surface tension
d) Maximum density at freezing point

Answer 1

Water has several unusual properties that make it suitable to be the matrix of life: a) high density in solid form, high specific heat capacity, and c) high surface tension.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water has several unusual properties that make it suitable to be the matrix of life:

1. High density in solid form: The lower density of ice compared to liquid water allows ice to float, creating an insulating layer on the surface of bodies of water, which helps aquatic life survive in cold temperatures.
2. High specific heat capacity: Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and store large amounts of heat without a significant change in temperature. This property insulates aquatic life and bodily fluids, protecting them from drastic temperature changes.
3. High surface tension: Water molecules have strong cohesive forces, which result in high surface tension. This property allows water to form droplets and maintain its shape, aiding various biological processes like water transport in plants and the movement of small organisms on the water's surface.