Final answer:
Water has a high specific heat capacity due to hydrogen bonding. This property helps regulate temperature and is important for maintaining homeostasis. Water's high heat capacity also contributes to more moderate coastal climates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water's High Heat Capacity
Water has a high specific heat capacity because of its hydrogen bonding. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat one gram of a substance must absorb or lose to change its temperature by one degree Celsius. Water's high heat capacity helps regulate temperature and is utilized by warm-blooded animals to disperse heat evenly in their bodies. Additionally, water has a high heat of vaporization, meaning it requires a considerable amount of energy to change from a liquid to a gaseous state.
Importance of Water's Heat Capacity
Water's high specific heat also plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. Since cells are primarily made up of water, this property helps to stabilize internal temperature. The high heat capacity of water also explains why coastal climates are more moderate compared to inland climates, as water absorbs and releases heat from the air.