Question

What are three examples of how the characteristics of water are important in maintaining life?

a. First, the lower density of water as a solid versus a liquid allows ice to float, forming an insulating
surface layer for aquatic life. Second, the high specific heat capacity of water insulates aquatic
life or bodily fluids from temperature changes. Third. the high heat of vaporization of water.
allows animals to cool themselves by sweating.
b. First, the higher density of water as a solid versus a liquid allows ice to float, forming an insulating surface layer for aquatic life. Second, the high specific heat capacity of water insulates aquatic life or bodily fluids from temperature changes. Third, the low heat of vaporization of water allows animals to cool themselves by sweating.
c. First, the lower density of water as a solid versus a liquid allows ice to float, forming an insulating
surface layer for aquatic life. Second, the low specific heat capacity of water insulates aquatic
life or bodily fluids from temperature changes. Third, the high heat of vaporization of water allows animals to cool themselyes by sweating.
d. First, the lower density of water as a solid versus a liquid allows ice to float, forming an insulating
surface layer for aquatic life. Second, the low specific heat capacity of water insulates aquatic
life or bodily fluids from temperature changes. Third, the low heat of vaporization of water
allows animals to cool themselves by sweating.

Answer 1

Water's unique properties, such as its polarity and hydrogen bonding, are critical to maintaining life. These properties allow water to act as a solvent, insulator, and temperature stabilizer, among other important functions. Without these characteristics, life on Earth would be drastically different or may not exist at all.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water's polarity allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds between adjacent water molecules, resulting in many unique properties that are critical to maintaining life. For example, water is an excellent solvent because hydrogen bonds allow ions and other polar molecules to dissolve in water.

Water's hydrogen bonds also contribute to its high heat capacity and high heat of vaporization, resulting in greater temperature stability. Hydrogen bond formation makes ice less dense as a solid than as a liquid, insulating aquatic environments. Water's cohesive and adhesive properties are seen as it rises inside capillary tubes or travels up a large tree from roots to leaves.

The pH or hydrogen ion concentration of a solution is highly regulated to help organisms maintain homeostasis; for example, as will be explored in later chapters, the enzymes that catalyze most chemical reactions in cells are pH specific. Thus, the properties of water are connected to the biochemical and physical processes performed by living organisms. Life on Earth would be very different if these properties were altered—if life could exist at all.

Answer 2

Three essential properties of water that maintain life are its lower density as ice which allows it to float and insulate aquatic environments, its high specific heat capacity which stabilizes temperatures in organisms and ecosystems, and its high heat of vaporization which facilitates cooling through sweating. The correct option that represents these properties is option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

Importance of Water Characteristics in Maintaining Life

The properties of water are crucial for maintaining life on Earth. Among these properties are three notable characteristics:

1. Lower Density of Ice: Water displays the unusual property of having a lower density as a solid than as a liquid. This means that ice floats on top of water, providing an insulating layer that protects aquatic life in cold environments by maintaining liquid water below.

2. High Specific Heat Capacity: Water has a high specific heat capacity, which enables it to absorb and retain heat better than many other substances. This characteristic helps in stabilizing temperatures within aquatic ecosystems and within the bodily fluids of organisms, protecting them from abrupt temperature changes that could be harmful.

3. High Heat of Vaporization: The high heat of vaporization of water allows animals to regulate their body temperature through sweating. As sweat evaporates from the skin surface, it requires a substantial amount of heat to do so, thus, effectively cooling the body.

The correct option that describes these important characteristics is: a. First, the lower density of water as a solid versus a liquid allows ice to float, forming an insulating surface layer for aquatic life. Second, the high specific heat capacity of water insulates aquatic life or bodily fluids from temperature changes. Third, the high heat of vaporization of water allows animals to cool themselves by sweating. Each of these characteristics plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance required for life to thrive on our planet.

Understanding how water's physical properties influence life processes underlines the inextricable link between the substance's unique chemistry and the survival of living organisms.