Final answer:
Water's high heat capacity, a result of hydrogen bonding among water molecules, enables it to absorb a lot of heat energy before changing temperature, playing a vital role in temperature regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of water to absorb a significant amount of heat energy before it changes temperature is known as water's high heat capacity. This property is due to the extensive hydrogen bonding among water molecules. Water's specific heat capacity is defined as the heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius, which is equivalent to one calorie. Consequently, water takes a longer time to heat up and cool down compared to most other substances, such as sand. Water's high heat capacity plays a crucial role in moderating temperatures in the environment and within living organisms, making it a key factor in Earth's climate and biological systems.